There’s something wonderfully comforting about a pot of beef keema gently simmering on the stove. 😍 Imagine the warm aroma of spices, the delightful sizzle of minced beef browning in the pan, and the savory fragrance of garlic, ginger, and juicy tomatoes filling your kitchen. It’s comfort food at its absolute best!
If you haven’t made keema curry before, you’re in for a treat. Whether you call it keema, kheema, qeema, or simply spiced ground beef, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Think of it as your new favorite go-to dish—authentic, hearty, and homemade, yet quick and fuss-free! 👩🍳✨
💖 Why You’ll Love This Beef Keema Recipe
- ⏰ Fast & Fuss-Free: Ready in 30–40 minutes, all in one pot—easy cleanup!
- 🌶️ Rich Flavor: Layers of aromatic spices, juicy beef, and tangy tomatoes.
- ❄️ Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for make-ahead meals or freezing.
- 🌯 Incredibly Versatile: Delicious with naan, rice, wraps, or even sandwiches.
This beef keema isn’t just a dish—it’s a versatile base for endless tasty variations, from classic aloo keema to flavorful keema matar. Once you master it, you’ll find countless ways to adapt and enjoy!
🛒 Ingredients (Simple & Flavorful)
Here’s what you’ll need for your beef keema masala:
- 500g ground beef (minced meat)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (or ghee/butter for extra richness)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or freshly grated garlic and ginger)
- 2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Salt (kosher salt preferred)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed, for finishing touch)
🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Beef Keema
1. Heat Oil and Toast Your Spices 🌿
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant—this builds your flavor foundation!
2. Caramelize the Onion 🧅
Add onions and sauté until deeply golden-brown (5–7 minutes). This adds sweetness and depth to your keema.
3. Garlic & Ginger Aromatics 🧄
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, removing any raw aroma.
4. Spice it Up 🌶️
Stir in turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook for about a minute, stirring continuously to blend flavors well.
5. Juicy Tomatoes for Richness 🍅
Add chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften completely and the oil starts to separate, creating a vibrant curry base.
6. Brown the Ground Beef 🥩
Stir in minced beef and cook on medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it browns evenly (about 8–10 minutes). Well-browned beef equals maximum flavor!
7. Finish with Peas and Freshness 🌱
Mix in frozen peas, cover, and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. Add a splash of hot water if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala, freshly chopped cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
🥘 Expert Tips for Making the Best Beef Keema
Want to elevate your beef keema even further? Here are my favorite tried-and-true tips that’ll turn your keema from delicious to unforgettable:
- Brown Meat Properly: Cook beef at medium-high heat, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Proper browning intensifies flavors and adds depth.
- Fresh Spices Matter: Use fresh or freshly ground spices for optimal flavor. Older spices lose potency and aroma.
- Balance Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon or a spoonful of yogurt at the end brightens the dish, balancing the spice perfectly.
- Customize Heat Levels: Experiment with chili types—Kashmiri chili powder gives vibrant color with milder heat, while fresh green chilies add a fresh kick.
- Garnishes are Key: Fresh cilantro, mint leaves, or crispy fried onions add layers of flavor and appealing textures.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow keema to rest off-heat for about 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld beautifully.
Follow these tips, and you’ll effortlessly create restaurant-quality keema at home! 🌟
🍽️ Delicious Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your beef keema your favorite way:
- With bread: Roti, naan, garlic naan, or fluffy paratha. 🫓
- Over rice: Steamed rice, jeera rice, or fragrant turmeric rice. 🍚
- Low-carb: Lettuce cups or stuffed into roasted bell peppers. 🥬
- Fusion style: As samosa filling or as a spicy pizza topping! 🍕
Add refreshing mint raita or crunchy kachumber salad on the side for a perfect, balanced meal.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Keema freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for quick meals later!
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a little water or reheat briefly in the microwave.
💡 Pro Tip: Leftover keema tastes even better the next day! Use it creatively in wraps, buns, or even pasta dishes for a flavorful spin on Bolognese. 🍝
🔄 Delicious Keema Variations to Try
Love beef keema? Explore these flavorful variations:
- Aloo Keema: Add cubed potatoes and simmer until tender. 🥔
- Keema Matar: Double the peas and finish with a touch of cream. 🌿🥛
- Chicken or Turkey Keema: Lighter, leaner options for a healthier spin. 🍗🦃
- Kaju Keema: Stir in cashew paste for a luxurious texture. 🥜
You can also experiment with lamb, mutton, or vegan mince to make this your own signature dish.
✨ Final Thoughts: Your New Weeknight Favorite
Once you learn how to make this flavorful beef keema, you’ll wonder why it wasn’t already in your regular dinner rotation. It’s humble yet incredibly satisfying—no complicated ingredients, just simple home-cooked comfort that tastes genuinely amazing.
From personal experience, this keema recipe has saved dinner many times. Quick, cozy, and bursting with authentic flavors—it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again. Whether you’re exploring South Asian cuisine or already a keema fan, this recipe belongs in your kitchen lineup! 🏡❤️
💬 Have You Tried This Recipe?
Let me know in the comments or tag me on social—I’d love to see your creations! Did your family love it? Did you try a fun variation? I can’t wait to hear all about your cooking adventures! 🥰📸
How to make beef keema recipe (FAQs)
What can I use instead of beef in keema?
You can easily substitute beef with chicken, turkey, lamb, or mutton. For vegetarian or vegan alternatives, try plant-based mince, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms.
Can I make beef keema ahead of time?
Yes, beef keema is ideal for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Is beef keema very spicy?
Not necessarily. You can adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of red chili powder or by adding fewer fresh chilies. For mild keema, reduce the chili powder or omit fresh chilies altogether.
What side dishes pair best with beef keema?
Beef keema pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, steamed rice, or paratha. For freshness, serve it alongside cucumber salad, mint yogurt raita, or pickled vegetables.
Beef Keema Recipe (Indian Ground Beef Curry)
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef minced meat
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil or ghee/butter
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste or freshly grated ginger and garlic
- 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Heat Oil & Toast Spices
- In a large pan or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Cook Onions
- Add chopped onions and sauté until deeply golden brown (about 5–7 minutes). This adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Add Garlic and Ginger
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Mix in Spices
- Add turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring frequently to blend flavors evenly.
- Cook Tomatoes
- Add chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft, pulpy, and oil starts to separate (approximately 5 minutes).
- Brown the Beef
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned (8–10 minutes).
- Simmer & Finish
- Stir in frozen peas. Cover and let simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. Add a splash of water if it becomes too dry.
- Finish by sprinkling garam masala, chopped cilantro, and lemon juice.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with naan, roti, steamed rice, or flatbread.
- Pair with mint raita or cucumber salad for extra freshness.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with naan, roti, steamed rice, or flatbread.
- Pair with mint raita or cucumber salad for extra freshness.
Storage & Reheating:
- Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove with a little water or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.