Spicy Beef Curry Recipe

Hearty Homestyle Beef Curry Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Spices dance across tender chunks of meat in this mouthwatering beef curry recipe that brings warmth to every dinner table.

The aromatic blend of traditional Indian spices creates a rich, complex flavor profile that promises comfort in every bite.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected seasonings infuse the beef with deep, layered tastes that tell a story of culinary tradition.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Mumbai.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this curry offers a perfect balance of heat and depth that satisfies even the most discerning palate.

Tender beef melts against a backdrop of robust spices, making this dish a true celebration of culinary craftsmanship.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a gateway to an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Vegetable Beef Soup

For Meat Base:
  • Beef: Rich, tender protein that becomes meltingly soft when slow-cooked, selecting well-marbled cuts enhances flavor and ensures juicy results.
For Aromatic Foundations:
  • Onions, Garlic, Ginger: Flavor-building trio that creates deep, complex taste profile, choose fresh and firm produce for maximum aroma and punch.
For Spice Blend:
  • Curry Powder, Garam Masala, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Warm, vibrant spice mix that delivers authentic Indian-inspired flavor complexity, select high-quality, freshly ground spices for maximum taste.
For Liquid Components:
  • Tomatoes, Coconut Milk, Beef Broth: Moisture-creating base that develops rich sauce, use ripe, whole tomatoes and full-fat coconut milk for deeper flavor dimensions.
For Vegetable Additions:
  • Potatoes, Carrots, Peas: Hearty vegetable medley adding texture and nutrition, choose seasonal, firm vegetables for best taste and consistency.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Salt, Pepper: Bright herb and seasoning elements that elevate final dish, select fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning to personal preference.
For Cooking Mediums:
  • Cooking Oil: Essential for searing and developing initial flavor layers, choose neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable or canola.

Equipment Needed For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Large Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for browning beef and building deep curry flavors.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
  • Plate: Used for transferring browned beef during cooking.
  • Serving Bowls: For presenting the delicious curry with rice or naan.

Steps To Cook Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Meat Preparation

Brown the beef in a sizzling hot skillet with a splash of oil. Each piece should develop a rich, golden crust that locks in delicious flavors. Let the meat rest momentarily while preparing the next stage.

  • Flavor Foundation

Soften sweet onions in the same pan, releasing their natural sugars. Add aromatic garlic and zingy ginger, creating a fragrant base that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Spice Awakening

Sprinkle in warm curry powder and exotic garam masala, allowing the spices to dance and release their deep, complex aromas. The kitchen will fill with an enticing fragrance that hints at the deliciousness to come.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour in creamy coconut milk and robust tomatoes, creating a luxurious sauce. Return the beef to the pot, letting everything simmer gently and meld together into a harmonious blend of flavors.

  • Vegetable Journey

Introduce hearty potatoes and sweet carrots into the bubbling curry. Let them transform and absorb the rich sauce, becoming tender and infused with incredible taste.

  • Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings, allowing your palate to guide the final touches. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of brightness and freshness.

  • Serving Delight

Ladle the steaming curry over fluffy rice, inviting friends and family to dive into this comforting meal that tells a story of flavor and love.

Helpful Tips For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Pro Slow Cooking Trick: Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution, ensuring the beef becomes meltingly tender and rich with deep, complex flavors.
  • Meat Selection Magic: Choose chuck roast or beef stew meat with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes to guarantee consistent cooking throughout the curry.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper based on heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, increase gradually for spice lovers. Fresh ginger and additional chili can also amplify the heat profile.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Transform this recipe for different needs – use plant-based beef alternatives for vegetarian version, swap regular milk with coconut milk for dairy-free option. Gluten-free diets can enjoy this naturally gluten-free curry without modifications.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: This curry tastes even better the next day as flavors develop and deepen. Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and gently reheat. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy home cooks.

Ways To Serve Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Comfort Plate Partner: Fluffy steamed white rice catches all the delicious curry sauce, creating perfect bites with tender beef and vegetables.
  • Bread Buddy Pairing: Warm, soft naan bread works brilliantly for scooping up curry, letting diners enjoy every last drop of the rich, spicy sauce.
  • Fresh Side Kick: Crisp green salad with cucumber and light yogurt dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm, spicy beef curry, balancing the meal's intense flavors.
  • Temperature Touchdown: Serve the curry piping hot directly from the pot, ensuring each spoonful delivers maximum flavor and warmth to hungry guests.

Storage Guide For Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Smart Storage Strategies: Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigeration Readiness: Store beef curry in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep temperature below 40°F to ensure food safety and quality preservation.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze curry without potatoes for optimal texture. Package in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 3 months, labeling with date and contents.
  • Reheating Recommendations: Thaw frozen curry overnight in refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even warming. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
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Spicy Beef Curry Recipe

Spicy Beef Curry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy Brazilian beef curry blends aromatic spices with tender meat for a hearty meal. Savory flavors and rich textures invite you to explore culinary traditions from South America’s kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsps curry powder (or mix of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder)
  • 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz / 400 ml) can coconut milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (or water)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • ½ cup (75 g) frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Sear beef chunks in a hot, oiled skillet until achieving a golden-brown crust, then set aside for later integration.
  2. Aromatics Development: Reduce skillet heat and caramelize onions until translucent, then introduce garlic and ginger, allowing their fragrant essences to bloom and infuse the base.
  3. Spice Activation: Sprinkle curry powder, garam masala, paprika, and cayenne into the aromatic mixture, toasting briefly to unleash their complex, robust flavors and create a dynamic culinary foundation.
  4. Liquid Integration: Combine crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and beef broth, reintroducing seared meat into this liquid canvas. Reduce heat, cover, and allow the curry to gently simmer and meld flavors while tenderizing the protein.
  5. Vegetable Incorporation: After an hour of slow cooking, add potatoes and carrots, continuing to simmer until vegetables soften and meat becomes exceptionally tender. Introduce green peas in the final moments for a vibrant color and fresh textural contrast.
  6. Flavor Refinement: Carefully adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste profile. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity.
  7. Serving Presentation: Plate the rich, spice-laden curry atop steamed rice, accompanied by warm naan bread or a crisp side salad, inviting diners to experience this deeply satisfying culinary journey.

Notes

  • Sear Meat Strategically: Brown beef chunks quickly over high heat to lock in juices and develop a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances overall flavor complexity.
  • Balance Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne and garam masala quantities based on personal heat tolerance, starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing for controlled spiciness.
  • Manage Cooking Liquid: Monitor curry’s consistency during simmering, adding extra beef broth if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring tender meat and ideal sauce texture.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or mixed vegetables like chickpeas and cauliflower, maintaining similar cooking techniques and spice profile for a plant-based version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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