There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of warm, spiced qeema. This dish is the perfect balance of bold Indian flavors, tender minced beef, and rich, aromatic spices that come together in one easy-to-make meal. Whether you serve it with fluffy basmati rice, soft naan, or even wrapped in a warm roti, this curried beef mince is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The best part? It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Made in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade but hassle-free.
Packed with Flavor: A blend of warm, fragrant Indian spices gives this qeema its deep, rich taste.
Versatile: Enjoy it with rice, naan, stuffed in a wrap, or even with eggs for a delicious breakfast twist.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!
Ingredients
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, perfectly absorbing all the rich spices.
Onion: Adds depth and natural sweetness to balance the spices.
Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and fragrance.
Tomatoes: A bit of acidity to balance the richness of the meat.
Green Chilies: Optional, but they add a nice heat if you like spice!
Yogurt: Helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle creaminess.
Cumin & Coriander Powder: Earthy, warm spices that define Indian flavors.
Garam Masala: A fragrant blend of spices that brings warmth to the dish.
Turmeric: Adds color and an earthy depth.
Red Chili Powder: For a little heat—adjust based on your spice preference.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Fresh Cilantro: The perfect fresh garnish for a burst of flavor.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the end brightens up the dish.
Instructions
Sauté the Onions: Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until golden brown. This step builds a deep, rich flavor base.
Add the Garlic & Ginger: Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for a minute until fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the beef in the aromatic spices.
Tomatoes & Yogurt: Add the chopped tomatoes and yogurt, stirring to combine. Let it simmer so the flavors can develop.
Simmer Until Perfect: Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the beef to soak up all the flavors. Stir occasionally.
Final Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy hot with rice, naan, or even wrapped in a warm roti!
How to Serve Easy Indian Qeema
- With Rice: Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a hearty meal.
- With Naan or Roti: Scoop it up with warm naan or roti for a classic Indian experience.
- As a Wrap: Stuff it into a wrap with lettuce and yogurt sauce for an easy lunch.
- With Eggs: Use leftovers to make a delicious qeema scramble for breakfast.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or fewer chilies based on your heat preference.
- Make it Healthier: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Storage Tips: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months—perfect for easy meal prep!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use lamb instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Lamb adds even more richness and pairs beautifully with the spices.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Let it cool, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water.
Q5: What can I serve with qeema besides rice?
A5: Naan, roti, paratha, or even mashed potatoes work well.
Q6: Can I make this less spicy?
A6: Of course! Just reduce the chili powder and skip the green chilies.
Q7: What’s the best oil to use?
A7: Any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or even ghee for extra flavor.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A8: Yes! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers are great additions.
Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Just omit the yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q10: How can I make it more saucy?
A10: Add extra tomatoes or a splash of water while simmering.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Indian Qeema is the ultimate comfort food—flavorful, hearty, and incredibly simple to make. Whether you enjoy it with rice, naan, or as a wrap, it’s sure to be a hit.
So go ahead, give it a try, and let the rich, aromatic spices transport you straight to the streets of India!
Print
Easy Indian Qeema (Curried Beef Mince)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Qeema (Keema or Kheema) is a quick and flavorful Indian curried ground beef dish with warming spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve over basmati rice, with naan or roti, and a side of cooling mint yogurt for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Qeema (Curried Beef):
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced (~4 tsp)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder (omit for mild)
- 1 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup water
Garnish:
- 1 green cayenne pepper, deseeded & finely sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Plain yogurt or Mint Yogurt (below)
Mint Yogurt (Optional):
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, lightly packed
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a skillet over high heat.
- Add ginger and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until golden. Do not burn!
- Stir in onions and cook for 1 minute until softened.
2. Cook the Beef & Spices:
- Add ground beef and break it up while cooking.
- Once the beef changes from pink to light brown, add spices and salt.
- Stir well and cook for 2 minutes, letting the spices bloom.
3. Simmer & Finish:
- Add water, stir, and cover with a lid.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Spoon over basmati rice or naan, garnish with fresh cilantro & sliced chili.
- Serve with Mint Yogurt for extra flavor!
5. Make Mint Yogurt (Optional):
- Blend ¼ cup yogurt with mint & salt until finely chopped.
- Stir in remaining yogurt and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Adjust Heat: Omit cayenne for a mild version.
- Protein Swap: Can be made with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken.
- Make Ahead: Qeema keeps well in the fridge for 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg