There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty, home-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with aromatic spices and promises warmth in every bite. Keema Aloo (Ground Beef and Potatoes) is one such dish—a rich, flavorful, and satisfying recipe that brings together tender ground beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a medley of spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family, Keema Aloo is an excellent choice.
Why Keema Aloo Is a Beloved Dish
Keema Aloo is a staple in South Asian households, loved for its simplicity, versatility, and bold flavors. The name “Keema” refers to ground meat, while “Aloo” means potatoes. Together, they create a dish that’s hearty, nutritious, and deeply satisfying. It’s a one-pot wonder that pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or even on its own.
Ingredients for Keema Aloo (Ground Beef and Potatoes)
To make this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (extra-large, chopped) | 1 |
| Water (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Lean ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Fresh ginger root (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Serrano chile pepper (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground coriander | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Ground cayenne pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
| Potatoes (peeled and diced) | 3 |
| Diced tomatoes (canned, 28 oz) | 1 can |
| Frozen green peas | 1 cup |
| Garam masala | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, gather and prep all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and dice the potatoes. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
2. Cook the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 12 minutes or until the onion is soft and begins to brown. If the onions stick to the pan, add 2 tablespoons of water and stir to loosen the browned bits.
3. Brown the Beef with Aromatics
Add the ground beef to the pan along with the garlic, ginger, serrano chile, and cilantro. Cook and stir for 10 to 15 minutes until the beef is browned and crumbly.
4. Add the Spices
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the ground coriander, salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to allow the spices to release their aroma and infuse the beef.
5. Incorporate Potatoes and Tomatoes
Add the diced potatoes and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything together, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The potatoes should become tender as they cook.
6. Add the Peas and Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the frozen green peas and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, and the flavors will deepen.
7. Finish with Garam Masala
Sprinkle the garam masala over the top of the dish, cover the pan, and let it stand for 5 minutes. This final touch adds a warm, earthy aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Keema Aloo is ready to serve! Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired, and pair it with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread.
Tips for the Best Keema Aloo
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Don’t Skip the Garam Masala: This spice blend is essential for achieving the authentic taste of Keema Aloo.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit the serrano chile.
- Experiment with Proteins: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or even plant-based meat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a balanced and filling meal.
Why Keema Aloo Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is versatile and suits a variety of dining situations:
- Weeknight Dinner: Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Meal Prep: Keema Aloo stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Family Gatherings: A hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with sides like rice or flatbreads.
- Comfort Food: Its rich flavors and warming spices make it a go-to dish for cozy nights at home.
Creative Variations to Try
1. Vegan Keema Aloo
Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat and use vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
2. Keema Aloo with Cauliflower
Add chopped cauliflower florets for extra texture and nutrients.
3. Coconut Curry Twist
Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical variation.
4. Keema Aloo Wraps
Spoon the mixture into flatbreads or tortillas for a fun, handheld meal.
5. Spicy Keema Aloo
Increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
FAQs About Keema Aloo (Ground Beef and Potatoes)
1. Can I make Keema Aloo ahead of time?
Yes, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze Keema Aloo?
Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. What can I serve with Keema Aloo?
Serve it with steamed rice, naan, parathas, or flatbreads. You can also pair it with a simple side salad or yogurt-based raita.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Keema Aloo is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spices and canned tomatoes to ensure they’re gluten-free certified.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes with 4 to 5 fresh tomatoes, finely chopped.
6. How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the cayenne pepper and serrano chile to make a milder version of this dish.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe to Warm Your Heart
Keema Aloo (Ground Beef and Potatoes) is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and simple cooking techniques. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible results every time.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and enjoy the process of creating a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Once you taste it, Keema Aloo is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
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Keema Aloo (Ground Beef and Potatoes): A Flavorful One-Pot Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Keema Aloo is a hearty, one-pot dish featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices. This comforting and flavorful South Asian classic pairs wonderfully with rice, naan, or flatbreads, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 extra-large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated
- 1 serrano chile pepper, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, dice the potatoes, and gather all other ingredients.
- Cook Onions: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 12 minutes until softened and slightly browned. Add 2 tablespoons of water if the onions stick.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, garlic, ginger, serrano chile, and cilantro to the pan. Cook and stir for 10–15 minutes until the beef is browned and crumbled.
- Add Spices: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in coriander, salt, cumin, cayenne, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the spices’ aroma.
- Incorporate Potatoes and Tomatoes: Add the diced potatoes and canned tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Peas and Finish: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Sprinkle the garam masala over the top, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or flatbreads.
Notes
- Milder Spice: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and serrano chile for a less spicy version.
- Protein Options: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or plant-based meat.
- Leftover-Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Freezing Instructions: Cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South Asian
