Description
A fragrant and savory Indian keema curry made with ground beef, featuring complex flavors from toasted spices and a glossy, reduced sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (for gloss)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2–1 tsp garam masala (to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chili (for color)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken stock (adjust for desired sauce consistency)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt or 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, room temperature)
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for brightness)
Instructions
- Prep and toast spices. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, then cumin seeds. Toast until fragrant and slightly darker (about 30 seconds).
- Sweat the aromatics. Add finely diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until translucent and pale gold (5–7 minutes). Add garlic, ginger, and green chili; stir until aromatic.
- Brown the beef. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef in an even layer; let it sear for 2 minutes. Break up with a spoon and cook until browned.
- Add ground spices. Sprinkle in coriander powder, ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, and half the garam masala. Cook for 1 minute.
- Deglaze and build the sauce. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stock, scraping the pan bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce to finish. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust salt and heat.
- Finish with cream and butter. Off heat, stir in butter and yogurt or cream for silkiness. Sprinkle remaining garam masala and chopped cilantro.
- Rest briefly and plate. Let the keema sit 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a looser curry, add stock by 2 tbsp increments. For silkier texture, stir in warm cream or yogurt off heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg