Name: Indian Beef Curry Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 cups beef stock; 1 cinnamon stick; 3-4 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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If you’ve been searching for a showstopping dinner that wraps your kitchen in warmth and fills your home with the irresistible scents of fragrant spices, look no further than this Indian Beef Curry Recipe. Generous chunks of beef tenderly simmer in a velvety, spice-laden sauce, resulting in a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Whether you’re cooking for longtime curry lovers or someone new to Indian cuisine, this recipe hits all the notes—rich, savory, aromatic, and just the right amount of spicy. Gather your spices and get ready to fall in love with a culinary favorite that everyone at the table will request again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to an unforgettable Indian Beef Curry Recipe lies in its easy-to-find but flavorful ingredients. Each component, from the heady spices to the creamy yogurt, helps build layers of flavor, color, and tenderness that make this dish so special. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Beef Chuck: Its marbling provides incredible richness and ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after slow cooking.
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for sautéing and allowing spices and aromatics to release their full flavor.
Onions: Finely chopped, they add natural sweetness and a savory base to the curry sauce.
Garlic: Brings depth and earthiness, essential in every good curry.
Ginger: Adds sharp, invigorating warmth that balances rich beef flavors.
Tomatoes: Their acidity brightens the dish and helps form a luscious sauce.
Plain Yogurt: Tenderizes the beef and brings creaminess without heaviness.
Ground Coriander: Lends a fresh, citrusy undertone that keeps the curry vibrant.
Ground Cumin: Nutty and warm, it’s the backbone of most aromatic curries.
Garam Masala: A robust blend that ties all the spices together in the final moments of cooking.
Turmeric Powder: Gives the curry its signature golden hue and earthy undertones.
Chili Powder: Adds the perfect kick—adjust for your preferred spice level.
Paprika: Delivers subtle sweetness and additional color to the sauce.
Beef Stock: Builds up body and depth, making every bite luxuriously saucy.
Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that lingers in the background.
Whole Cloves: Small but mighty, they impart unique warmth to the dish.
Bay Leaves: Provide a subtle, herby dimension that rounds out the sauce.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in the spices.
Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herby finish that brightens each serving.

How to Make Indian Beef Curry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions Until Golden

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and keep an eye on them as they transform into a deep golden brown. This caramelization is the magical foundation of your Indian Beef Curry Recipe, providing exceptional flavor and irresistible aroma. Take your time here—rushing means missing out on flavor!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them sizzle just until fragrant, about a minute. This duo forms the base of authentic curries, bringing brightness and earthy flavor that set the tone for the whole dish.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Sprinkle in your ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika. Toasting these spices for a minute unlocks their full potential, filling your kitchen with their heady scent. It’s a small step but makes a massive difference in flavor down the line.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Form the Curry Base

Toss in the chopped tomatoes and allow them to cook down into a thick, vivid paste. This is where acidity meets warmth, and your sauce begins to take on depth and body. Stir patiently until the tomatoes have softened completely.

Step 5: Stir in Yogurt for Silkiness

Lower the heat slightly and add the plain yogurt in gradual spoonfuls, stirring well to avoid curdling. The yogurt brings a creamy richness and helps bind the spices into a luscious, smooth sauce that will cradle every piece of beef.

Step 6: Sear the Beef

Add your beef chuck pieces to the pot, rolling them through the spicy, creamy base until beautifully coated. Searing the beef here locks in its juices and infuses every chunk with spice.

Step 7: Add Liquids and Whole Spices

Pour in the beef stock and drop in the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and bay leaves. This is where the Indian Beef Curry Recipe deepens, as the beef bathes in a fragrant, simmering sauce that builds flavor with every passing minute.

Step 8: Slow Simmer for Tender Perfection

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and marvel as your kitchen fills with the rich, inviting aroma of slow-cooked spices and beef. Patience pays off here: the beef will emerge meltingly tender, and the sauce, thick and sumptuous.

Step 9: Finish with Garam Masala

Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the garam masala. Adding this iconic spice blend at the end means all the fragrance and complexity hit you in the first bite. It’s an unmistakable signature of a truly authentic Indian Beef Curry Recipe.

Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy

Turn off the heat, shower the curry generously with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve while it’s piping hot. The final touch brings lightness and color to every bowl.

How to Serve Indian Beef Curry Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of fresh cilantro brings brightness and color, while a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds just the right amount of tang. If you want to get fancy, try a swirl of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of thinly sliced green chilies on top—both make this Indian Beef Curry Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This curry absolutely loves company! Serve it over fluffy steamed basmati rice for a classic pairing, or alongside pillowy naan or parathas for extra sauce-sopping satisfaction. If you’re feeling festive, whip up a quick cucumber raita or a simple tomato salad for contrast—cool and crisp meet warm and spicy!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Ladle the curry into small serving bowls for an appetizer course, top with microgreens, or nestle it inside fresh naan wraps for a fun street-food twist. For family dinners, serve in a wide, shallow platter with a generous scatter of coriander for rustic charm—this Indian Beef Curry Recipe wants to be the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the curry cools, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You’ll find that the flavors deepen overnight, making your second-day servings even more delicious! It keeps well for up to 3 days, and is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or hearty lunches.

Freezing

This Indian Beef Curry Recipe loves the freezer! Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re in need of a flavorful meal in a flash, just thaw overnight and reheat gently. Be sure to omit fresh cilantro before freezing and add it after reheating for the best taste and color.

Reheating

Reheat the curry gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it’s thickened too much. You can also use the microwave for single servings—just cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between. Finish with fresh cilantro to revive those bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or stewing beef. Just keep in mind that lean cuts may not be as tender after long simmering, so stick with marbled, slow-cooking cuts for the best results.

Is this Indian Beef Curry Recipe very spicy?

You’re the boss of the spice level! As written, the recipe offers a moderate warmth, but you can easily reduce or increase the chili powder to suit your preference. For extra heat, add fresh green chilies or a dash of hot sauce at the end.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Certainly! Substitute plain yogurt with a coconut-based or plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version. This will alter the flavor slightly (adding a hint of coconut), but it keeps the curry wonderfully creamy and delicious.

Will this recipe work with a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, and it’s a great way to make the process hands-off! Sauté your aromatics and spices in a skillet, transfer to your slow cooker or Instant Pot, add beef and liquids, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high pressure for about 35 minutes. Stir in garam masala at the end as always!

Can I make Indian Beef Curry Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely—this curry tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Make it up to two days ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. It’s a terrific choice for meal prep and entertaining alike!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience how effortlessly impressive this Indian Beef Curry Recipe is in your own kitchen. Every spoonful is packed with love, flavor, and tradition. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Indian Beef Curry Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Indian Beef Curry recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings together tender beef in a rich and spicy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this traditional curry is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Spice Mix:

2 medium onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Additional:

2 cups beef stock
1 cinnamon stick
3–4 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Cut beef into pieces, chop onions and tomatoes, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
Cooking the Curry: Sauté onions until golden, add garlic and ginger. Stir in spices, then tomatoes. Mix in yogurt, add beef, and sear. Pour in stock, add whole spices. Simmer until beef is tender.
Finishing Touches: Stir in garam masala, garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan.