Name: Qeema Indian Curried Beef Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil (or other neutral oil); 4 tsp ginger, finely minced; 5 large garlic cloves, minced (about 4 tsp); 1 large onion, finely diced; 500g / 1 lb beef mince (ground beef); 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 1 tsp cayenne pepper or pure chilli powder (omit for mild version); 1 1/4 tsp garam masala; 1 1/4 tsp cumin powder; 1 1/4 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1 cup water; 1 green cayenne pepper, deseeded and finely sliced; Cilantro/coriander leaves; Plain yogurt or Mint Yogurt (recipe below); 3/4 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 cup mint leaves, lightly packed; 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt

Imagine a dish that’s hearty, aromatic, and ready faster than you can decide what to watch tonight: that’s Qeema Indian Curried Beef. This one-pan wonder brims with layers of lively spices, tender minced beef, and golden onions, finished with a flurry of fresh herbs and cooling mint yogurt. Qeema is a joyful, homey favorite that always hits the spot, whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just craving something warm and comforting. With this recipe, you’ll have a soul-satisfying meal on the table in 20 minutes, and you’ll want to make it again and again.

Qeema Indian Curried Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Qeema Indian Curried Beef lies in how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something deeply flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role, bringing its own personality—aromas, heat, earthiness, freshness—to this classic dish.

Vegetable or canola oil: Picks up all that spice and lays a golden base for your saute.
Ginger: Freshly minced ginger brings brightness and a gentle heat that builds flavor from the very start.
Garlic: Those five cloves infuse the beef with bold, savory depth.
Onion: Finely diced onions lend a sweet, subtle crunch as they caramelize.
Beef mince (ground beef): The heart of the qeema—rich, juicy, and quick-cooking.
Salt: Kosher or cooking salt is crucial for balancing and highlighting all the spices.
Cayenne pepper or pure chili powder: For that signature kick; leave it out if you’re after a milder ride.
Garam masala: This warm, complex spice blend delivers an authentic curry note.
Cumin powder: Nutty, smoky, and absolutely essential for depth.
Coriander powder: Lends fresh citrusy notes that brighten up the richness.
Turmeric powder: Gives a hint of earthiness and that classic warm color.
Water: Helps simmer everything together and meld the flavors into a luscious curry.
Green cayenne pepper (for garnish): Adds fresh heat and color—totally optional if you want to keep it mellow.
Cilantro/coriander leaves: Chopped fresh on top, these add an unmistakable herbal lift.
Plain yogurt or mint yogurt: A cooling finish that brings the whole experience together.
Mint leaves (for mint yogurt): Vibrant, aromatic, and a delightful twist in your cooling sauce.

How to Make Qeema Indian Curried Beef

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over high heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, toss in your minced ginger and garlic. You’ll want to sauté these for just about 30 seconds, until they turn fragrant and golden (but not burnt!). Next, add the diced onion, stirring for a bit over a minute until it softens and turns translucent, layering sweet depth at the base of your Qeema Indian Curried Beef.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add in the ground beef and break it up with your spatula, letting it lose that pink color and take on light browning. This stage is where the savory foundation of the curry builds. Make sure to keep things moving in the pan for even browning and to soak up all those aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Sprinkle in your salt, cayenne or chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir and let the spices sizzle with the beef for about two minutes. This is when the deep, irresistible scent of Qeema Indian Curried Beef starts to fill the kitchen and you know something special is happening.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Add your cup of water and give everything a good stir to lift up any browned bits from the pan. Put a lid on (or a trusty baking tray if you don’t have a lid), reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for about ten minutes. You’re looking for the meat to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed, leaving a beautifully saucy mixture that’s ready to spoon over fluffy rice.

Step 5: Make the Mint Yogurt (Optional)

If you’re opting for the mint yogurt, blend 1/4 cup yogurt with your fresh mint leaves and a pinch of salt until the mint is finely chopped. Stir in the rest of the yogurt, and chill it until you need it. This sauce is a cool, vibrant counterbalance to the warm spices in Qeema Indian Curried Beef.

How to Serve Qeema Indian Curried Beef

Garnishes

Sprinkle plenty of chopped cilantro or coriander leaves over the top, and tuck in a few finely sliced green cayenne peppers for brave diners who love a little extra heat. A generous dollop of mint yogurt (or plain yogurt) right in the middle is the ultimate finishing touch, cooling each bite of Qeema Indian Curried Beef and adding a creamy, tangy twist.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving this curried beef with a mound of steaming basmati or plain white rice. But you can easily switch it up with flaky naan, roti, or even parathas—these options are perfect for scooping up the richly spiced mince. For a more casual dinner, a quick thaw of frozen roti straight in your skillet delivers authentic comfort in minutes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the Qeema Indian Curried Beef into warm lettuce cups for a fresh party bite, or pile it onto jacket potatoes for fusion comfort food. It’s also fantastic tucked inside wraps, alongside a crunchy cucumber salad, or even used as a spicy filling for stuffed peppers. Let your imagination (and your leftovers) run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Qeema Indian Curried Beef keeps very well in the fridge, making it a dream for meal-preppers and busy weeknights alike. Simply allow it to cool, then pop it into an airtight container. It stays tasty and safe for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen, making those next-day leftovers even better!

Freezing

This dish is just as lovely straight from the freezer. Portion the cooled beef into freezer-friendly containers—label and date them—and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, you can thaw overnight in the fridge, or gently reheat from frozen.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the qeema gently in a skillet on low-medium heat, splashing in a little water if needed to keep the mixture loose and saucy. You can also microwave, stirring halfway through. It’s just as delicious as when it was first made, and sometimes even a touch richer for having rested.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Qeema Indian Curried Beef is traditionally made with beef, but lamb, chicken, or even turkey mince work beautifully. Just know that different meats have varying fat contents and flavors, so you may want to adjust the cooking time and seasoning a touch.

What’s the best way to make it less spicy?

If you’re sensitive to heat, skip or reduce the cayenne/chili powder and leave out the fresh green chilies for garnish. The dish will still pack loads of flavor, thanks to the aromatic spices and fresh ginger and garlic.

Can I make Qeema Indian Curried Beef ahead for a party?

Yes, and it’s a smart move! The flavors meld and develop as it sits, so making it a day ahead is actually recommended if you have time. Just reheat gently and serve with plenty of garnishes and bread or rice.

Do I have to use mint yogurt, or are there other cooling options?

Mint yogurt is classic for Qeema Indian Curried Beef, but you can simply use plain yogurt or even a quick cucumber raita. Anything creamy and cool pairs perfectly with the spiced beef.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just dial down or skip the chili ingredients to your family’s preference. Kids often love the mild, savory flavors of qeema, especially when scooped up with soft bread or rice.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about bringing Qeema Indian Curried Beef to your table, knowing you’ve created a dish with so much depth in so little time. I hope you fall in love with its comforting flavors and warming aromas as much as I have. Grab your skillet, gather your pantry staples, and enjoy the magic of homemade qeema tonight!