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Fragrant & Fast: My Go-To Aromatic Keema Beef

Savory ground beef, infused with ginger, garlic, and warm spices, cooks quickly for a comforting meal.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

Keema, a dish of spiced ground meat, is a cornerstone of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. It's a dish that adapts beautifully to different palates and ingredients, but at its heart, it's about creating a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. My version prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing the aromatic complexity that makes keema so irresistible. It's a weeknight staple, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed by the magic of spices.

  • •Spice Symphony - The blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala creates a warm, complex flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting.
  • •Quick Cooking - Ground beef cooks in minutes, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights.
  • •Aromatic Infusion - Fresh ginger, garlic, and green chilies add a vibrant, fragrant base that elevates the entire dish.
  • •Versatile Serving - Enjoy it with rice, roti, naan, or even as a filling for samosas or wraps.
  • •Freezer-Friendly - Keema freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping and batch cooking.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1 lb Ground beef (Lean or regular)
  • 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Ginger (Minced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1-2 Green chilies (Finely chopped, adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 2 tsp Coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • to taste Salt
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped, for garnish (optional))

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly before adding the spices, indicating it's hot enough to bloom their flavors.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    Add the cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. You'll know they're ready when they start to pop and release their aroma, filling your kitchen with a nutty scent.

    ~1 min

  3. 3

    Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring the onions cook evenly and release their sweetness.

    ~7 min

  4. 4

    Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with the pungent flavors of ginger and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the keema.

    ~1 min

  5. 5

    Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.

    ~7 min

  6. 6

    Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed to get the most flavor.

    ~1 min

  7. 7

    Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their full aroma. This step deepens the flavor of the keema, creating a rich and complex spice profile.

    ~3 min

  8. 8

    Season with salt to taste. Start with a teaspoon and adjust as needed, remembering that the flavors will intensify as the keema simmers.

    ~1 min

  9. 9

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This slow simmering process allows the spices to fully infuse the beef, creating a more harmonious and flavorful dish.

    ~12 min

  10. 10

    Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, garam masala, or chili powder to your liking, personalizing the dish to your preferences.

    ~1 min

  11. 11

    Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. The fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich and savory flavors of the keema.

    ~1 min

  12. 12

    Serve hot with rice, roti, naan, or your favorite accompaniment. The keema is delicious served on its own or as part of a larger Indian or Pakistani meal.

    ~1 min

How Do I Know It's Ready?

Ground beef is fully cooked when it is no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with crumbled paneer or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Fragrant & Fast: My Go-To Aromatic Keema Beef as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!