Indian Beef Curry Recipe
Introduction
Indian Beef Curry is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings tender beef cubes together with aromatic spices and rich tomato gravy. Perfect for a comforting meal, it pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Ingredients
- 600 grams Beef (cut into medium-sized chunks)
- 2 Onions (shallot or brown onion, finely chopped)
- 2 Large tomatoes (vine-ripened)
- 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 salt to taste)
- 2 cups Warm water (or enough water to cover the beef)
- 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 salt to taste)
- 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 same-size small cubes. Season the beef cubes with salt, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, ginger, and cooking oil. Mix well and 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. Then stir in the grated garlic and sauté briefly until it turns light brown. Add the tomatoes and cook until they become 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.
- Step 5: Pour in warm water to cover the beef and add salt to taste. Stir well, 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. Adjust salt and spices to your preference.
- Step 6: When the beef is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped coriander. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with more coriander, and serve hot with plain basmati rice, naan, or chapati.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of cooking oil.
- Adding a splash of yogurt or coconut milk at the end can soften the spices and add creaminess.
- Feel free to increase the chilli powder for a spicier curry.
- Marinating the beef longer improves tenderness and flavor penetration.
Storage
Store leftover Indian beef curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, tougher cuts like chuck or brisket work well as they become tender during slow cooking. Just ensure you cut the beef into uniform chunks for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this curry in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. After browning the spices and onions, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
PrintIndian Beef Curry Recipe
This hearty Indian Beef Curry features tender beef chunks simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Marinated and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish offers a rich and satisfying flavor profile that pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, or chapati.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 600 grams Beef (Cut into medium-sized chunks)
- 1 tsp Salt (or salt to taste)
- 1 tsp Chilli powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tbsp Ginger (finely grated or paste)
- 1 tsp Cooking oil
Main Ingredients
- 2 Onion (Shallot or brown onion, finely chopped)
- 2 Large tomatoes (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 salt to taste)
- 2 cup Warm water (Or enough water to cover the beef)
- ½ tsp Chilli powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- ½ tsp Garam masala
- ½ tsp Coriander powder
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 3–4 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Cut the beef into evenly sized small cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef cubes with salt, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, grated ginger, and cooking oil. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the spices.
- Prepare the Tempering Spices: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil. When the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Allow the spices to sizzle for a few seconds to release their aroma.
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook until they become translucent. Then, add the grated garlic, sautéing briefly until it turns light brown. Follow by adding the chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes soften and break down.
- Add Beef and Ground Spices: Introduce the marinated beef into the pan along with ground spices: chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix everything well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices integrate.
- Simmer the Curry: Pour in warm water ensuring it covers the beef, and add salt to taste. Stir to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender. Check occasionally, adding more water if necessary to maintain consistency and prevent drying.
- Finish and Serve: Once the beef is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh coriander. Transfer the curry to a serving dish, garnish with additional coriander, and serve hot alongside plain basmati rice, naan, or chapati for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute cooking oil with ghee or unsalted butter.
- Adjust the amount of chilli powder to suit your preferred spice level.
- Ensure to check the beef periodically during simmering to prevent sticking or drying; add more water as needed.
- Leftover curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- This curry can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
Keywords: Indian beef curry, beef curry recipe, slow cooked beef curry, Indian spices beef, homemade beef curry

