Name: Indian Beef Curry Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 600 grams beef, cut into medium-sized chunks; ½ tsp chilli powder; ½ tsp turmeric powder; ½ tsp garam masala; 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated or paste; 1 tsp cooking oil; 1 tsp salt or to taste; 2 onions (shallot or brown), finely chopped; 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes; 2 tbsp garlic, finely grated or garlic paste; Handful coriander, roughly chopped; 4-5 tbsp cooking oil (or ghee or unsalted butter); 1 tsp salt or to taste; 2 cups warm water (enough to cover the beef); 1 tsp chilli powder; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp garam masala; ½ tsp coriander powder; 1 cinnamon stick; 3-4 bay leaves; 1 tsp cumin seeds

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Introduction

This Indian Beef Curry is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for comforting meals. Tender beef chunks are simmered in a rich blend of spices, tomatoes, and onions, creating a deliciously aromatic curry. Serve it with rice or flatbreads for a satisfying experience.

A white bowl filled with several pieces of dark brown curry meat, covered in thick sauce with a slightly oily texture. There are a few green bay leaves and fresh cilantro leaves topping the meat. The bowl rests on a light beige cloth on a white marbled surface. In the blurry background, there are two more white bowls, one containing white rice and another with a colorful vegetable dish, along with a pair of dark wooden chopsticks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

600 grams beef, cut into medium-sized chunks
2 onions (shallot or brown), finely chopped
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
2 tbsp garlic, finely grated or garlic paste
Handful of coriander, roughly chopped
4-5 tbsp cooking oil (or ghee or unsalted butter)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
2 cups warm water (or enough to cover the beef)

Beef marinade:

½ tsp chilli powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp garam masala
1 tbsp ginger, finely grated or paste
1 tsp cooking oil
1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Spices:

1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp coriander powder
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the beef into evenly sized small cubes. In a bowl, season the beef with salt, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, ginger, and cooking oil. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Heat a pan over medium heat and add oil. Once hot, add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aroma.
Step 3: Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the grated garlic and sauté briefly until it turns light brown. Then add the tomatoes and cook until soft.
Step 4: Add the marinated beef along with the ground spices: chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix everything well and cook for 1–2 minutes to coat the meat with spices.
Step 5: Pour in the warm water and add salt to taste. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed.
Step 6: Once the beef is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped coriander. Transfer the curry to a serving plate and garnish with extra coriander. Serve hot with plain basmati rice, naan, or chapati.

Tips & Variations

For richer flavor, substitute cooking oil with ghee or unsalted butter.
Use tougher cuts of beef like chuck or brisket for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
Add a splash of plain yogurt or coconut milk for a creamier curry.
Adjust the chilli powder to control the heat level to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. This curry also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white pot filled with rich, dark brown beef chunks in a thick, reddish-brown sauce. The beef pieces are tender looking and evenly coated with the sauce that has a slightly oily surface. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a splash of color. A metal spoon sits partially submerged in the sauce, with some sauce clinging to it. The surface underneath the pot is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker to make this curry?

Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the spices and onions on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the beef is tender.

What can I serve with Indian Beef Curry?

This curry pairs wonderfully with plain basmati rice, naan bread, or chapati. You can also enjoy it with steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber raita to balance the spices.