Indian Kheema
A flavorful Indian-inspired ground beef dish with spices, potatoes, and peas, perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons curry powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 17 oz can English peas, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Combine curry powder, ground turmeric, salt, garlic powder, red pepper, ground ginger, and pepper; add to the beef mixture and stir well.
- Add peeled and cubed potato, chopped tomato, drained peas, and water to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try incorporating fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of red pepper or add chopped green chilies. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef. This dish can also be adapted to include other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve kheema hot over steamed rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with naan or roti for a more traditional approach. Consider serving a side of yogurt or raita to balance the spices. This dish also complements a simple salad or pickled vegetables for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover kheema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Kheema contains roughly 225 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1481mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make kheema ahead of time?
Yes, kheema can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Is kheema spicy?
The spice level of kheema can be adjusted based on your preferences. By modifying the amount of red pepper or adding more spices, you can make it milder or hotter to suit your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).