Spicy Qeema: The Indian Curried Beef Recipe You Need to Try

Crispy, aromatic qeema dances across my taste buds, bringing memories of bustling Mumbai street corners.

Spices whisper tales of generations perfecting this beloved dish.

Tender ground beef mingles with fragrant masala, creating a symphony of flavors that ignite culinary passion.

Layers of complexity emerge from each carefully selected ingredient.

Authentic techniques blend seamlessly with home-style comfort in this soul-warming recipe.

Quick and satisfying, this meal promises to transport you straight to the heart of indian cuisine.

Come, let’s embark on a delicious adventure that will make your kitchen smell like a true mumbai kitchen.

What Makes Qeema (Indian Curried Beef) So Bold

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this aromatic Indian beef dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Master Complex Flavors Easily: Learn to blend traditional spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala without needing professional cooking skills.
• Quick Family Comfort Food: Create a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Dish for Any Occasion: Serve this rich, spicy qeema over rice, with naan bread, or as a standalone dish that impresses both family and guests.

What You Need For Qeema (Indian Curried Beef)

• Ground Beef: Rich, flavorful meat that forms the base of this traditional Indian dish.

• Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Green Chilies: Create a robust and fragrant foundation for the curry, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

• Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Garam Masala: Classic Indian spice blend that provides warm, earthy, and aromatic notes to the Qeema.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy sweetness to the curry.
• Peas: Provides a pop of color and sweet, fresh element to the meat mixture.

• Fresh Coriander Leaves: Brings a bright, herbal finish to the dish and adds a fresh visual appeal.

• Oil: Helps to sauté the ingredients and prevent sticking to the skillet.

How To Cook Qeema (Indian Curried Beef) The Easy Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing for a flavor-packed cooking adventure.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

Add chopped onions and sauté until they transform into a beautiful golden brown color, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green chilies

Cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Crumble ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Cook until the meat develops a rich, deep brown color.

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Garam masala

Mix thoroughly to ensure every beef morsel is coated with the spice mixture.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Add Fresh Sweetness

Stir in green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they’re heated through and vibrant.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and shower the dish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of Indian-inspired flavors.

Tips To Master Qeema (Indian Curried Beef)

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
• Reduce heat intensity by removing green chili seeds or using fewer chilies for a milder version.
• Enhance depth of flavor by blooming spices in oil before adding other ingredients, releasing their full aromatic potential.
• Create a low-carb alternative by serving over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Control liquid consistency by adjusting tomato quantity or simmering longer to achieve desired thickness.

Tasty Twists For Qeema (Indian Curried Beef)

• Vegetarian Qeema: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Lamb Qeema: Swap ground beef with ground lamb for a richer, more intense flavor profile that complements the traditional Indian spices.
• Spicy Green Qeema: Increase the number of green chilies and add chopped spinach during the final cooking stage for an extra herbal and heat-packed version.
• Qeema Stuffed Peppers: Use the prepared meat mixture as a filling for bell peppers, topped with cheese and baked until peppers are tender and slightly charred.

Sides That Go Great With Qeema (Indian Curried Beef)

• Pair with Crisp Raita: Cool down the spicy qeema with a refreshing yogurt-based raita, mixing cucumber, mint, and a pinch of salt to balance the intense flavors.
• Wine Companion Choice: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Grenache, which complements the rich, spiced beef without overpowering the delicate spice notes.
• Rice Bed Partner: Serve the qeema over fragrant basmati rice, allowing the grains to soak up the savory tomato and spice-infused sauce for a complete meal experience.
• Naan Bread Sidekick: Tear soft, warm naan bread into pieces to scoop up the qeema, providing a perfect vehicle for enjoying every last bit of the flavorful curry.

How To Keep Qeema (Indian Curried Beef) Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover Qeema to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack the cooled Qeema in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place Qeema in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

Top Questions About Qeema (Indian Curried Beef)

• What is qeema in Indian cuisine?

Qeema is a popular ground meat dish in Indian cooking, typically made with beef or lamb, seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked until tender and flavorful.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the number of green chilies or remove them entirely to decrease the heat level while maintaining the rich spice blend of the dish.

• Is qeema considered a main course or side dish?

Qeema is traditionally served as a main course, often accompanied by rice, naan, or roti, and provides a protein-rich meal with complex flavors.

• What are the key spices that give qeema its distinctive taste?

Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala are the essential spices that create the authentic and robust flavor profile of this classic Indian dish.

Qeema (Indian Curried Beef) Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling qeema, a spicy Indian beef curry, brings bold Pakistani flavors dancing across your plate. Fragrant spices and tender ground beef create a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (400 grams/14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste

Aromatics and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, sautéing onions until they transform into a rich golden hue.
2. Introduce minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and vibrant green chilies, allowing them to release their aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, delicately crumbling the meat and cooking until it achieves a deep brown color.
4. Generously dust the meat with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, thoroughly coating each morsel with the spice blend.
5. Pour diced tomatoes into the mixture, seasoning with salt, and allow the curry to gently simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
6. Fold in green peas and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are thoroughly heated and integrated with the spiced beef.
7. Extinguish the heat and scatter freshly chopped coriander leaves across the surface as a final flourish before presenting the dish.

Notes

• Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for richer flavor and juiciness.
• Ensure spices are freshly ground or from a recent batch to maximize aromatic intensity and depth.
• Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to enhance their essential oils and release more complex flavors.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for vegetarian versions, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg