Curried Ground Beef with Peas

The gentle spices in this Curried Ground Beef with Peas will instantly transport you to the comforting warmth of home-style Indian cooking. The dish features tender ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, and a balanced blend of spices, creating a deeply flavorful base that is complemented by the subtle sweetness of peas. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick yet deeply satisfying. It pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, or even wrapped in warm flatbreads for a comforting handheld meal. The spices are adjustable to your preferred heat level, making it a versatile dish suitable for family meals or meal prep for the week ahead.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (500g) ground beef

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 2 tablespoons curry powder

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 tablespoons oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

• Cooked basmati rice, to serve

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

4. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Add crushed tomatoes and broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

6. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

7. Add peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until peas are tender.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed basmati rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Comfort and Simplicity of Curried Ground Beef with Peas

Curried Ground Beef with Peas (Qeema Matar) is a comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying Indian-inspired dish that combines the robust taste of spiced ground beef with the subtle sweetness of green peas. This dish has become a household staple for many due to its affordability, simplicity, and versatility, making it a perfect addition to your family’s weekly meal plan. It is an ideal introduction to Indian home-style cooking without requiring specialized ingredients or complex preparation, making it approachable for beginners while still providing a depth of flavor that experienced cooks appreciate.

This dish blends ground beef, aromatic spices, and peas into a vibrant curry that pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, or even roti, allowing the spices to shine while keeping the meal balanced and hearty. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting weekend lunch, or an addition to your meal prep rotation, Curried Ground Beef with Peas fits seamlessly into your kitchen routine.

Cultural Roots of Qeema Matar

Qeema (or keema) is a traditional South Asian dish with Persian origins, widely enjoyed in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The term “qeema” refers to minced meat, while “matar” means peas in Hindi and Urdu. Historically, qeema has been prepared with various types of meat, including lamb, beef, or chicken, and cooked with a medley of spices that create a rich and aromatic dish.

The use of peas in qeema became popular due to their subtle sweetness, which balances the heat and warmth of the spices, adding texture and visual appeal to the dish. In many South Asian households, qeema matar is considered comfort food, served with fresh chapati or rice, and often accompanied by yogurt or chutney to enhance the flavors.

Why This Dish is Loved in Modern Kitchens

One of the primary reasons Curried Ground Beef with Peas has gained popularity outside South Asia is its adaptability to modern kitchen needs. Here are some reasons this dish is a staple for many home cooks:

• Quick and Easy: Using ground beef allows the dish to cook quickly while still absorbing all the spices effectively, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Affordable Ingredients: Ground beef, peas, onions, and pantry spices are widely available and budget-friendly, allowing you to prepare a wholesome meal without overspending.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made in larger batches and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prepping for busy weeks.

• Family-Friendly Flavors: The warmth of the spices can be adjusted to your preferred heat level, making it suitable for families with varying spice tolerance.

• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from the beef, vitamins from the peas, and antioxidants from the spices, it is a well-rounded dish that supports a balanced diet.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Curried Ground Beef with Peas not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides several nutritional benefits:

• Ground Beef: A rich source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are essential for muscle repair, energy, and overall vitality.

• Green Peas: Peas are a low-calorie vegetable high in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins such as vitamin C, K, and B vitamins, supporting digestive health and immune function.

• Spices: Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promoting overall wellness while enhancing flavor.

• Onions, Garlic, and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients not only build a flavorful base for the dish but also provide immune-supporting properties, aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

One of the best features of Curried Ground Beef with Peas is its flexibility. You can adapt this dish to suit different dietary preferences and ingredients available in your pantry:

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add diced carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content and texture diversity.

• Meat Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor profile or a leaner option.

• Spice Adjustments: Modify the level of chili powder to make the dish milder for children or spicier for those who love heat.

• Serving Options: Serve over basmati rice for a classic pairing, scoop into warm naan for a handheld meal, or use as a filling for stuffed peppers or savory pies for creative meal ideas.

• Garnishing: Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a spoonful of yogurt on top can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

Curried Ground Beef with Peas is a meal-prepper’s dream. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to prepare meals ahead of time for busy schedules. The flavors develop further over time, making leftovers taste even better.

You can portion it with rice for grab-and-go lunches or prepare a large batch to serve your family multiple times during the week, saving both time and effort while ensuring everyone enjoys a nutritious meal.

How to Introduce This Dish to Your Audience

For your website audience, highlight the ease, affordability, and versatility of this dish. Share personal anecdotes about how this recipe has simplified your dinner routine or how it has become a comfort meal during colder months. Include pairing suggestions like a simple cucumber raita or mango chutney for a complete meal experience, enhancing your readers’ ability to enjoy authentic flavors without complication.

You may also consider adding a section about the history of the dish to give your readers a sense of cultural connection, making the recipe not just a meal but a story worth sharing around the table.

Conclusion:

Curried Ground Beef with Peas is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients and humble spices can create a dish that is comforting, nourishing, and packed with flavor. This dish embodies the warmth of Indian home-style cooking while fitting seamlessly into modern kitchens due to its ease of preparation and adaptability.

Whether you are looking to explore more global flavors, expand your dinner repertoire, or find a reliable meal-prep option, this dish will not disappoint. It delivers a fragrant, satisfying meal that your family will request again and again while introducing them to the gentle spices of Indian cuisine.