If you are craving a hearty, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Aloo Keema (Ground Beef & Potato Curry) Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender ground beef with soft potatoes, simmered in an aromatic blend of spices and tomatoes, this curry is a satisfying meal that’s bursting with rich, vibrant flavors. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers when you want to impress without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a pan with two main visible layers: the bottom layer consists of small pieces of cooked onions that are golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, mostly positioned along the edges of the pan; the top layer is raw ground meat in uneven chunks showing a mix of bright pink and light reddish-gray colors starting to cook, with steam rising slightly. There is a dark wooden spoon stirring the meat on the right side of the pan. The pan has a light gray surface and is placed on a white marbled countertop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet critical in creating the deep, complex flavors and delightful textures that make this dish stand out. Each one plays a key role, from the spiced aromatics elevating the meat, to the potatoes soaking up all that delicious sauce.

1 lb keema (ground beef): The star protein, bringing a juicy, savory base to your curry.
⅛ cup cooking oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and spices to develop those rich flavors.
1 onion: Diced finely to caramelize and add sweetness and texture.
1 tsp garlic paste: Adds a fragrant kick that blends beautifully with the meat.
2 Roma tomatoes: Provide acidity and body to the curry sauce.
1 ½ cup water: Helps simmer everything to tender perfection.
1 tsp coriander powder: Gives an earthy, citrusy undertone.
1 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
1 tsp red chili powder: Adds heat and a vibrant color.
¼ tsp turmeric powder: For warmth and a beautiful golden hue.
1 tsp ginger paste: Brings brightness and a hint of spice.
1 serrano pepper: Adds a fresh sharpness and subtle heat.
1 potato: Diced to soak up all the lovely curry juices while adding comforting creaminess.
⅛ cup cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that lifts the dish.

How to Make Aloo Keema (Ground Beef & Potato Curry) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by dicing your onions finely, then gently sauté them in preheated cooking oil until they turn a beautiful light brown. This step is crucial because those caramelized onions create the rich flavor foundation your curry needs, bringing subtle sweetness and depth.

Step 2: Add the Garlic Paste

Once the onions have softened, stir in the garlic paste and cook for about 30 seconds. This brief sauté allows the garlic to release its fragrant aroma without turning bitter, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the onions.

Step 3: Cook the Keema

Next, add your ground beef into the pan. Saute the meat until it browns and is no longer pink. This step not only cooks the beef thoroughly but also gives you rich browned bits that deepen the flavor of your curry.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Simmer

Stir in the chopped Roma tomatoes and mix everything well. Pour in 1 cup of water, then cover the pan and let it simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes. This simmering concentrates the flavors and softens the tomatoes into a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Evaporate Excess Liquid

Remove the lid and increase the heat to high to let any excess liquid evaporate. This step thickens the curry and intensifies the flavors, ensuring the sauce clings to every morsel of meat and potato.

Step 6: Add Spices and Roast

Now’s the time to add your coriander powder, salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Stir well and begin roasting the ground beef with the spices for about 10 minutes. Roasting helps to break down the onions and tomatoes further, blending all those flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Introduce Serrano Pepper and Ginger

Add the serrano pepper and the remaining ginger paste, sautéing them for a few minutes. The serrano adds a fresh peppery heat, while the ginger brings a warming zest that lifts the whole dish.

Step 8: Add Potatoes and Cook

Mix in your diced potatoes, stirring to distribute evenly. Pour in 1 cup more of water, cover again, and let it cook on low heat until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10 minutes. The potatoes absorb all the spicy goodness and soften to the perfect creamy texture.

Step 9: Final Touches and Garnish

Uncover the pot, turn the heat to high to let any remaining liquid evaporate, resulting in a thick, mouthwatering curry. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top to add a bright, herbaceous contrast right before serving.

How to Serve Aloo Keema (Ground Beef & Potato Curry) Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a dish made of cooked ground meat and yellow potato chunks, mixed in a rich, reddish-brown sauce. The ground meat is crumbly and moist, evenly spread throughout the dish, while the potato pieces are firm and cut into uneven small chunks, scattered smoothly on top and between the meat. Small bits of chopped green herbs and sliced green peppers are distributed lightly across the dish, adding splashes of green. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and there is no visible background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the go-to garnish for this dish, lending a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor that perfectly balances the rich curry. You might also enjoy a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lime for added brightness and creaminess.

Side Dishes

This curry pairs wonderfully with warm naan bread, fragrant basmati rice, or even a simple roti. If you want to keep it light, a fresh cucumber raita or a crisp salad with crunchy veggies will add refreshing contrast to the spiced meat and potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your Aloo Keema in individual rustic bowls topped with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green chilies or toasted cumin seeds. You can also turn it into a filling for wraps or stuffed parathas, making the meal exciting and portable for lunchboxes or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Aloo Keema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This curry freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your Aloo Keema slowly on medium heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly and bring back that freshly cooked taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use lamb instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground lamb works wonderfully in this curry and adds a rich, slightly gamey flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

How spicy is the Aloo Keema (Ground Beef & Potato Curry) Recipe?

The spiciness mainly comes from the serrano pepper and red chili powder, which you can adjust to suit your heat preference. For a milder dish, reduce or omit these ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While traditionally made with ground meat, you can substitute with textured vegetable protein or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian twist that still offers a satisfying texture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Aloo Keema holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week with minimal effort.

What’s the best way to dice potatoes for this recipe?

Try to dice the potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes. This ensures they cook quickly and absorb the flavors evenly without turning mushy or undercooked.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a flavorful, comforting dish to your meal rotation, the Aloo Keema (Ground Beef & Potato Curry) Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s packed with bold spices, tender meat, and creamy potatoes that come together in a beautifully balanced curry. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a dish to keep coming back to whether you’re cooking for family or friends.