With this beef curry recipe, you’ll experience a medley of flavors that will please your taste buds. From the tender beef to the aromatic spices, every bite is delicious. Plus, the recipe is simple to follow, making it accessible to both beginner and experienced home cooks.
Why I Love This Beef Curry Recipe
I’ve come to realize when it comes to curry, you’re either in the camp of “I love it” or… well, not! We happen to love curry in our home and you’ll find this ground beef curry recipe on frequent rotation. It’s a crowd pleaser, and I love it because I can mix and match the veggies to utilize whatever needs to be eaten up (also great for those veggies about to go bad in the crisper drawer).
Thanks to the ground beef, this recipe whips up quickly and easily. Yet all the incredible flavors and spices make it taste anything but “quick and easy.”
It’s among my favorites for easy weeknight meals, along with my freezer meatloaf recipe and my homemade beef stew. Not only that, but if you happen to have a jar of home-canned ground beef or home-canned chicken on your shelf, the cooking time for this recipe is just that much faster.
What Is Beef Curry?
Beef curry is a popular dish that is widely associated with Indian cuisine. This flavorful and aromatic dish is made by combining tender beef with a variety of spices and herbs, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. It can be prepared using different cooking methods, each adding its own unique touch to the dish.
Indian curry, including beef curry, is known for its vibrant flavors and use of spices such as turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and coriander. These spices infuse the beef with a delicious blend of savory and aromatic notes.
- Stovetop – The traditional method for preparing beef curry, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together over a gentle heat.
- Slow Cooker – This is a convenient option that allows for long, slow cooking, resulting in tender and succulent beef (great for using something like a chuck roast, or other cuts of beef).
- Instant Pot – A great way to get dinner done fast is to use the pressure cooker. Though I wouldn’t recommend it for this ground beef curry recipe, it can be a great option when cooking a tougher cut of meat that benefits from low and slow cooking. You can always pressure cook the meat ahead of time, then follow the recipe below, adding the cooked meat toward the end.
Regardless of the cooking method chosen, beef curry is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences. It can be enjoyed with steamed rice, naan bread, or even paired with other Indian dishes for a complete meal experience. You could even create naan-like bread with my five-minute no-knead bread dough. Just roll it out into thin circles and pan-cook until cooked through.
The Secret to a Good Curry
When it comes to creating a rich and flavorful curry sauce, it’s important to strike the right balance of spices and aromatics. One essential element is the blend of garlic and ginger. This combination infuses the curry with a depth of flavor that is unparalleled. Combined with the curry powder, it creates a fantastic and flavorful base.
Adding beef or chicken bone broth to the curry is what elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. Bone broth not only adds a velvety texture but also imparts a subtle umami that balances the spices. It’s the secret ingredient that brings all the flavors together, creating a well-rounded curry that will have you coming back for seconds.
Best Beef Cuts for Curry
The tender part of beef traditionally chosen in curry dishes is beef chuck. This cut of meat comes from the front shoulder area of the cow and is known for its rich flavor and tenderness.
One of the best techniques to bring out the full potential of beef chuck for curry is slow cooking. Slow cooking allows the meat to break down gradually, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is perfect for curries. The low and slow cooking method helps tenderize the meat and develop deep flavors, ensuring a satisfying curry experience.
When it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals, slow cooking isn’t necessarily ideal, so this recipe has been upgraded to use ground beef to preserve the tenderness and flavor of the dish while cooking it in a shorter period of time.
Variations of Beef Curry
The variation possibilities of beef curry are endless. Different cultures and regions have their own unique takes on this beloved dish.
Aloo Keema
Aloo keema, also known as beef and potato curry, is a hearty and comforting variation of beef curry that originated in the Indian subcontinent. The tender beef is cooked with a medley of spices, onions, and potatoes, resulting in a satisfying dish that pairs well with rice or naan bread.
Aloo keema is a favorite among meat lovers who enjoy the combination of meat and potatoes in their curries.
Keema Matar
Another delightful variation of beef curry is keema matar, which combines tender minced beef with sweet green peas. The savory meat and the natural sweetness of the peas complement each other perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Keema matar is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with rice, roti, or even as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
This particular recipe brings the best of these two variations together.
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Supplies Needed
- Large Skillet – My preferred choice is properly seasoned cast iron cookware.
- Wooden Spoon – I love these wooden mixing spoons.
- Chef Knife – Use a properly sharpened knife for prepping your vegetables.
- Grater – Use the finest part of a cheese grater or a zester if using fresh ginger and turmeric.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Curry relies on just the right balance of spices and aromatics. Proper measurements are key!
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil – I like coconut or avocado oil.
- 2 Large White or Yellow Potatoes – This should equate to about one pound washed, peeled and cubed.
- 1 lb Ground Beef – Lamb or venison also works well for this recipe.
- 1 Large Yellow Onion – Peeled and diced. We love using our freeze-dried onions for this.
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Grated Ginger – If you do not have fresh ginger, you can substitute ¼ tsp ground ginger.
- 2 Cloves Minced Garlic – If you do not have fresh garlic, you can substitute ½ tsp granulated garlic powder.
- 1 tsp Salt – I recommend using a quality salt like Redmond Real Salt. (Use that link and enter coupon code “HFSalt” at checkout for 15% off your order!)
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper – Adds a mild spice.
- 2 Tbsp Curry Powder – Use mild or hot curry powder according to your taste preference.
- 1 ½ tsp Ground Turmeric – Or use 4 ½ tsp. finely grated fresh turmeric.
- 1 tsp Cumin – Or use ½ tsp. ground coriander.
- 1 ½ cups Beef Broth – Chicken bone broth will work as well.
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch – Arrowroot powder can also be used.
- 1 Cup Green Peas – Frozen or fresh is best.
- Cilantro, Lime Juice, and Rice – For serving.
How to Make Beef Curry
Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Once you have everything you need, let’s make some mouthwatering beef curry!
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until translucent and just beginning to brown.
- Add the potatoes, garlic, and ginger. Allow to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until the meat is cooked through.
- Next, add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Make a slurry, mixing broth with one tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Add all the liquid to the beef mixture and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes until the entire mixture has thickened.
- Add peas. Simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over rice with a sprinkling of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
With its comforting and hearty nature, this beef curry is the perfect meal for any night. It’s a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner at home or a company-worthy dish to share with friends and family. The tender beef combined with the flavorful curry sauce is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below, then snap a photo of your beef curry and tag us on social media @homesteadingfamily so we can see!
FAQ
Beef curry is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with beef and a variety of spices and seasonings. Different cooking methods can be used to prepare beef curry, such as slow cooking or pressure cooking.
The best cuts of beef for making curry are those that are tender and can withstand long cooking times. Beef chuck is a great option as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Other cuts, such as ground beef, stewing beef or top round, can also be used.
The secret to a good curry lies in the combination of key ingredients. This includes using a flavorful curry sauce, a blend of spices such as garlic and ginger, curry powder for added depth of flavor, and the use of bone broth to create a rich and indulgent curry.
The most tender part of beef to use in curry is the beef chuck. This cut of meat is known for being tender and juicy when slow-cooked, making it an ideal choice for a flavorful beef curry.
Yes, there are various variations of beef curry. One popular variation is green curry, which includes a blend of green chili peppers, herbs, and spices. In Indian cuisine, dishes like aloo keema (beef and potato curry) and keema matar (beef and green pea curry) are also delicious variations of beef curry.
Yes, beef curry is a traditional dish in Indian cuisine. It is commonly enjoyed in various regions of India, with different spices and cooking techniques used to create unique flavors. While beef is not as widely consumed in India due to cultural and religious reasons, beef curry is still a delicious and popular dish in certain parts of the country.
Other Posts You May Enjoy
- Easy Meatloaf Recipe (Freezer Meal Prep)
- How to Make Corned Beef in a Crock Pot
- Canned Ground Beef (Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial)
- How to Can Beef Stew for Easy Convenience Meals
- Savory Beef Tongue Recipe (Fajitas de Lengua)
- Decoding Meat Labels (Meat Buying Guide)
Ground Beef Curry
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- chef knife
- grater or zester
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil
- 2 large yellow potatoes or white potatoes, about 1 pound
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion peeled and diced
- 1 Tablespoon ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced, or 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons curry powder mild or hot
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric or 4 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin or 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
- cilantro, lime juice, rice for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until translucent and just beginning to brown.
- Add the potatoes, garlic, and ginger. Allow to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until the meat is cooked through.
- Next, add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Make a slurry, mixing broth with one tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Add all the liquid to the beef mixture and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes until the entire mixture has thickened.
- Add peas. Simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over rice with a sprinkling of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
