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
Scale
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