Maya Sari
Easy ground beef tikka masala is a quick and flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with simple spices and pantry ingredients-perfect for nights when dinner needs to come together without much thought.
When I found myself staring into the fridge with a pound of ground beef and no plan, I knew I wanted something more interesting than a basic skillet meal but just as easy. Tikka masala felt like the answer-bold, warm, and packed with flavor.
Instead of complicated steps, everything comes together in one pan. The spices bloom in the beef, the sauce turns rich and creamy, and the whole dish simmers into something unexpectedly luxurious-minimal effort, maximum comfort.
And this recipe, believe us, is one that I’ve come to adore now since it’s so simple, it’s so comforting, and it’s full of big flavor with none of the hassle of tricky food.
If you have ground beef just collecting dust in your fridge, give it a whirl-trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
Why You’ll Love Beef Tikka Masala
Quick and simple, just 20 minutes cooked, perfect for weeknights. Spicy and decadent with deep spices, almost restaurant-quality. Cheap and made with everyday regular pantry ingredients. Versatile to serve over rice, naan, or even as a taco filling. Perfect for meal prep because the flavor is even yummier a day later!
More Recipes Like This
- Butter Chicken | Creamy North Indian Classic
- Beef Curry Coconut Milk
- Indonesian Beef Rendang
- Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry | Quick, Savory & Sweet
- Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (Rich, Spicy, Authentic!)
Enjoy my video tutorial for this recipe below:
Ingredients
For the Beef Masala
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 800g ground beef
- 1 tsp ginger powder (or fresh ginger, minced)
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp tomato paste/2 fresh tomatoes, sliced
- 1 tsp chicken powder (optional)
- 3 curry leaves (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
How to Make Ground Beef Tikka Masala
1.Heat a skillet with oil over medium. Sauté onion until golden, then cook garlic, ginger, curry powder and ground coriander for 30 seconds.
2. Add shredded tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken powder (if using), curry leaves, chili powder, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes until tender. Blend the spices for a thicker sauce.
3. Add ground beef and chop with spatula. Brown until browned through and drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add coconut cream. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, or until it’s just beginning to thicken into rich, aromatic sauce.
5. Add peas (if using) and heat through 2-3 minutes. Serve and enjoy as is. Turn heat off, garnish with coriander leaves and serve steaming hot over rice or naan.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with basmati or jasmine rice for a main dish.
- Stack over warm light naan or roti.
- Serve in wraps or tacos to serve up with a twist.
- Top cauliflower rice for low-carb serving.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate covered dish 3 days. Freeze portion 3 months. Low and slow simmer on stovetop and add water or coconut milk to taste for flavor.
This beef tikka masala is something that you can’t help but yearn to barricade yourself inside, not be forced to spend an evening dripping with sweat in the kitchen for hours something so richly worth it.
That coconut cream, all the spices and that shreds-to-lick meat all come together in each bite as rich and deep as a meal somehow magically feasible could be an excess even on a Wednesday evening.
Try it and see how much you like it-do you like it plain on rice, or hot and spicy with a sprinkle of hot sauce? Either way, it’s a winner!
What meat is best for tikka masala?
Boneless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay moist during cooking and absorb marinade flavors well. Chicken breast works too but can be a bit drier. Paneer or tofu are common vegetarian alternatives.
Is beef tikka masala common?
It exists, especially in Western kitchens and fusion restaurants, but traditionally tikka masala is made with chicken. Beef versions are richer and slightly heavier due to the creamy sauce.
Can tikka masala be made with ground beef?
Yes. Ground beef creates a hearty sauce and can make the dish feel more like a spiced meat gravy. It won’t have the grilled chunks like traditional tikka, but the flavor is rich and comforting.
How does tikka differ from tikka masala?
Tikka refers to marinated meat that’s grilled or roasted.
Tikka masala takes those pieces and simmers them in a creamy tomato-based sauce flavored with spices.
Easy Ground Beef Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet with oil over medium. Sauté onion until golden, then cook garlic, ginger, curry powder and ground coriander for 30 seconds.
- Add shredded tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken powder (if using), curry leaves, chili powder, salt, and sugar. Simmer 5 minutes until tender. Blend the spices for a thicker sauce.
- Add ground beef and chop with spatula. Brown until browned through and drain excess fat if needed.
- Add coconut cream and ground coriander. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, or until it's just beginning to thicken into rich, aromatic sauce.
- Add peas (if using) and heat through 2-3 minutes. Serve and enjoy as is. Turn heat off, garnish with coriander leaves and serve steaming hot over rice or naan.
Coriander made all the difference. I love it
Yes, absolutely right.