Quick and Easy Ground Beef Curry (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

A simple, flavorful curry that turns ground beef into a satisfying meal for four

Key Points:

• Perfect weeknight dinner using simple pantry staples
• Rich, aromatic curry ready in just 20 minutes
• Customizable heat level for the whole family
• Budget-friendly meal that tastes like it took hours

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Need a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This ground beef curry transforms everyday ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something better than takeout but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or pan (12-inch size is ideal)
• Cutting board (plastic or wood)
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener
• Timer or clock
• Colander or strainer (for draining beef)
• Small bowls for prepped ingredients

Ingredients

For the Curry Base:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 fat content)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (mild or medium heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (start with this, add more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked rice (about 2/3 cup uncooked)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 potato, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 bell pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder for extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before You Start

1. Read the entire recipe twice to familiarize yourself with the process
2. Check that you have all ingredients and tools ready
3. Start cooking rice first if serving with rice (it can cook while you make the curry)
4. Clear and clean your counter space for easy cooking

Preparation Phase (5-7 minutes)

1. Prepare Your Workspace

• Place cutting board on counter
• Set up a ‘clean’ and ‘prep’ area
• Have trash bin or bowl ready for scraps
• Get all ingredients out from refrigerator and pantry

1. Prep Vegetables

• Onion:
  • Cut off both ends and peel
  • Cut in half from top to bottom
  • Place flat side down and slice into thin strips
  • Turn and cut across strips to dice
  • Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch in size
• Garlic:
  • Separate 3 cloves from bulb
  • Peel each clove
  • Mince finely with knife or use garlic press
  • Should yield about 1 tablespoon
• Ginger:
  • Peel skin using spoon’s edge
  • Grate using small holes on grater
  • Measure 1 tablespoon
• Carrots:
  • Peel carrots
  • Cut off ends
  • Slice in half lengthwise
  • Cut into 1/4-inch half-moons

1. Organize Ingredients

• Place diced vegetables in separate small bowls
• Measure curry powder into small bowl
• Open can of tomatoes
• Measure beef broth
• Have salt and pepper ready

Cooking Process (15-18 minutes)

1. Brown the Beef (5-7 minutes)

• Place large skillet on stove
• Turn heat to medium-high
• Wait 1 minute for pan to heat up
• Add ground beef (no oil needed)
• Break meat into small pieces using wooden spoon
• Stir every minute
• Cook until no pink remains (meat should be brown)
• Drain excess fat:
  • Tilt pan slightly
  • Use spoon to remove excess fat
  • Or drain through colander if preferred

1. Build the Flavor Base (5 minutes)

• Return pan to medium heat
• Add diced onion to beef
• Stir to combine
• Cook 2-3 minutes until onion starts to look clear
• Add minced garlic and grated ginger
• Stir continuously for 30 seconds
• Add curry powder
• Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast spices
• If mixture seems dry, add 1 tablespoon water

1. Create the Sauce (5-6 minutes)

• Add diced carrots
• Pour in entire can of tomatoes
• Add beef broth
• Stir everything together well
• Bring to gentle simmer (small bubbles)
• Reduce heat to medium-low
• Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally
• Cook until carrots are tender (test with fork)

1. Final Steps and Serving

• Check carrot tenderness (should be easily pierced)
• Taste sauce and adjust seasoning:
  • Need more salt? Add 1/4 teaspoon at a time
  • Want more heat? Add 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• Turn off heat
• Let stand 2 minutes to thicken slightly

1. Plating

• Scoop rice into bowls (about 1/2 cup per serving)
• Ladle curry over rice
• Top with fresh cilantro
• Place lime wedge on side
• Serve immediately while hot

Troubleshooting Tips

• Curry too dry?
• Add broth 1/4 cup at a time
• Stir and check consistency
• Repeat if needed
• Too runny?
• Simmer uncovered 2-3 minutes longer
• Sauce should coat back of spoon
• Not enough flavor?
• Add 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• Add 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Let cook 1 minute and taste again
• Too spicy?
• Add 1/4 cup coconut milk or cream
• Serve with plain yogurt on side

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version

• Replace beef with:
  • 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms, or
  • 12 oz plant-based ground meat
• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth
• Cook mushrooms until water evaporates

1. Extra Vegetables

• Add diced potatoes:
  • Add with carrots
  • Cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • Adds 5 minutes cooking time
• Add 1 cup frozen peas:
  • Stir in last 2 minutes
• Add fresh spinach:
  • Stir in at end
  • Cook until just wilted

1. Spice Variations

• Indian Style:
  • Use 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Thai Style:
  • Use 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • Add 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Extra Aromatic:
  • Add 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon coriander

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator Storage:
• Let cool completely (about 30 minutes)
• Store in airtight container
• Keeps for 3 days
• Store rice separately
• Freezer Storage:
• Cool completely
• Place in freezer-safe container
• Label with date
• Keeps for 2-3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator
• Reheating:
• Microwave Method:
  • Place portion in microwave-safe bowl
  • Add 1 tablespoon water
  • Cover loosely
  • Heat 1-2 minutes
  • Stir halfway through
• Stovetop Method:
  • Place in pan
  • Add 2 tablespoons water
  • Heat on medium-low
  • Stir occasionally
  • Heat until hot (about 5 minutes)

Safety Notes & Tips

• Food Safety:
• Cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C)
• Use meat thermometer if unsure
• Keep raw meat separate from other ingredients
• Wash hands after handling raw meat
• Clean all surfaces that touched raw meat
• Store leftovers within 2 hours
• Cool completely before freezing
• Kitchen Safety:
• Keep pan handles turned inward
• Use oven mitts when needed
• Keep sharp knives pointed away
• Wash hands frequently
• Clean as you go

Pro Tips

• Toast spices to release more flavor
• Cut vegetables in similar sizes
• Keep ingredients prepped and ready
• Make extra to freeze
• Taste and adjust seasonings
• Let sauce reduce if too thin
• Don’t overcrowd the pan