Keema Curry (Ground Beef Curry) Recipe
Introduction
Keema curry is a comforting, weeknight-friendly dish that blends beef with warm spices, creamy coconut, and a touch of brightness from lime. This one-pan method finishes with roasted potatoes and peas for a hearty, flavorful curry you can customize with rice or naan.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 lb), diced into 1/2″ cubes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced to 1/2″
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea or kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 14-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 14-oz can full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup frozen baby peas
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (plus additional for serving)
- Lime juice, to taste, for serving
- Steamed rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the potatoes with olive oil and spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway, until tender and golden brown.
- Step 2: In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onion. Cook, stirring frequently to break up the meat, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is translucent, about 6–7 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until very fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the salt, pepper, curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, and tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste is worked into the beef and the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the tomatoes and coconut milk and stir well. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the curry thickens and turns a deep golden orange, about 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in the frozen peas and roasted potatoes. Simmer until the peas are warmed through, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
- Step 6: Ladle the curry into serving bowls over your base of choice (rice or naan), sprinkle with lime juice and additional cilantro, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or reducing curry powder or adding a pinch of chili flakes.
- Freezer-friendly: make the curry without potatoes, freeze in portions, and add roasted potatoes when reheating.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime and extra cilantro for a fresh contrast to the rich curry.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The curry may thicken as it sits; add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating to loosen. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this without potatoes?
Yes. The potatoes add body and texture, but you can omit them and still have a flavorful curry. If you skip them, you may want to serve more rice or naan on the side.
What should I serve with keema curry for a complete meal?
Steamed rice or warm naan are classic pairings. A simple cucumber-yogurt raita or a side of sautéed greens also complements the dish nicely.
Print
Keema Curry (Ground Beef Curry) Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty, curry-spiced keema made with ground beef, roasted potatoes, and peas simmered in a creamy coconut-tomato sauce. Perfect served over rice or with naan for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Paste
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Liquids & Veg
- 1 14-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 14-oz can full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup frozen baby peas
Finish & Serve
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (plus extra for serving)
- Lime juice, to taste, for serving
- Steamed rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Roast potatoes: Heat the oven to 425°F. Toss potatoes with olive oil and spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden brown.
- Brown beef & aromatics: In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add ground beef and onion. Cook, breaking up beef, until no longer pink and onion is translucent, about 6-7 minutes. Add grated ginger and minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, 1-2 minutes until very fragrant.
- Bloom spices: Add salt, pepper, curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, and tomato paste. Stir until paste is worked into beef and spices release fragrance, about 2 minutes.
- Build curry: Add diced tomatoes and coconut milk; stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until curry thickens and turns a deep golden orange, about 10 minutes.
- Finish and combine: Stir in frozen peas and roasted potatoes. Simmer until peas are warmed through, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in cilantro.
- Serve: Ladle over steamed rice or naan, finish with lime juice and additional cilantro, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onion.
- If you prefer a thicker curry, simmer a few minutes longer or mash some potatoes into the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Keywords: keema, beef curry, potato curry, coconut tomato curry, Indian-inspired, easy curry, weeknight dinner
