Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef masala is incredibly aromatic and full of deep, satisfying flavors. Using pantry-friendly ingredients and a single pot, it delivers the rich complexity of traditional masala dishes in under an hour. It’s ideal for those who love hearty curries without spending all day in the kitchen. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a complete and delicious meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients A
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 cinnamon bark
3 cloves
1/4 tsp black pepper
Ingredients B
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium tomato, chopped
500g boneless beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1/4 cup water
Ingredients C
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
Ingredients D
3 tbsp yogurt
Coriander leaves for garnish
Directions
- Prep the beef: Cut the beef into approximately one-inch cubes and set aside.
- Sauté spices: In a pan over low heat, add oil and sauté all of Ingredients A (cumin seeds, cinnamon bark, cloves, and black pepper) until aromatic.
- Cook the onions: Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and slightly browned.
- Add beef: Stir in the beef pieces and cook with the onion mixture for about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Mix in the ginger and garlic paste and continue sautéing until fragrant.
- Spice it up: Add Ingredients C (salt, chili powder, chili flakes, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric powder, paprika, and crushed black pepper), along with the chopped tomato.
- Simmer: Pour in the water (or beef broth if preferred), cover, and stew until the beef becomes tender.
- Finish with yogurt: Once the beef is tender, stir in the yogurt and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Servings and timing
Yield: 3 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicier version: Add more chili flakes or a chopped green chili for extra heat.
- Creamy version: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a smoother texture.
- Vegetable add-ins: Include potatoes or bell peppers for added bulk and nutrition.
- Slow-cooked: Simmer on low heat for longer or use a slow cooker to deepen the flavor.
- Alternative meats: Try this recipe with lamb or chicken for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the curry thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth while reheating. This dish also freezes well for up to 1 month.
FAQs
Can I use beef with bones?
Yes, bone-in beef adds extra flavor to the curry. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is tender.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Use stewing beef or chuck roast for the best texture after cooking.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of chili powder and flakes to suit your taste.
Is yogurt necessary?
Yogurt adds creaminess and balances the spices, but you can substitute with cream or skip it for a spicier finish.
Can I use store-bought garam masala?
Yes, store-bought garam masala works well, though homemade versions can add a fresher flavor.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef should be tender and easy to cut with a fork. Simmer longer if it feels tough.
What can I serve with beef masala?
Serve with steamed basmati rice, naan, chapati, or even mashed potatoes for a fusion twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients accordingly and use a larger pot or Dutch oven.
Can this be made ahead?
Definitely. Beef masala tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
What if I don’t have some of the whole spices?
You can omit cloves or cinnamon bark if unavailable, though they enhance the overall aroma.
Conclusion
Beef Masala is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender beef with aromatic Indian spices in a creamy, satisfying curry. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to explore the depth of Indian-style cooking at home.
Beef Masala
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / One-pot
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
A bold and aromatic Indian-style curry with tender beef pieces cooked in a rich blend of spices and finished with creamy yogurt. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 cinnamon bark
3 cloves
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium tomato, chopped
500g boneless beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1/4 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
3 tbsp yogurt
Coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a pan over low heat, heat oil and sauté cumin seeds, cinnamon bark, cloves, and black pepper until aromatic.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent and slightly browned.
- Stir in beef pieces and cook for about 5 minutes with the onion mixture.
- Add ginger and garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Add salt, chili powder, chili flakes, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric, paprika, crushed black pepper, and chopped tomato.
- Pour in water, cover, and simmer until the beef is tender.
- Stir in yogurt and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or bread.
Notes
Make it spicier with extra chili flakes or chopped green chilies.
Add cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier curry.
Include vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for added bulk.
Slow-cook for deeper flavor if desired.
Can substitute beef with lamb or chicken.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
