Description
This Curried Ground Beef with Peas recipe is a flavorful and quick Indian-inspired main course that combines browned ground beef with aromatic spices, tomato, and sweet peas. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it simmers in a rich sauce infused with curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, finished with fresh cilantro and optionally served over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Toast spices: Mix in curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas and flavors.
- Add tomato base: Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes until well combined with the meat and spices.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for approximately 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add peas and finish: Stir in frozen peas, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until peas are heated through and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish before serving. Serve warm, optionally over cooked rice.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili to make it spicier.
- Substitute ground beef with ground lamb or ground turkey for different flavor variations.
- Be sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish lighter.
- Frozen peas can be swapped with fresh peas if available for a fresher texture.
- Serve with rice, naan, or bread to enjoy the full flavors of the curry sauce.
