Ground Beef And Chickpea Curry

Name: Ground Beef And Chickpea Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: World Food

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef And Chickpea Curry! The combination of tender ground beef with the nutty flavor of chickpeas creating a rich sauce is incredible. Each time I make it, my kitchen fills with the warm, aromatic spices that remind me of cozy evenings. It’s quick to prepare and the perfect way to bring my family together around the dinner table, especially on a busy weeknight. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or naan for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Created by

Octavia Bellamy

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:53:35.768Z

When I first stumbled upon a recipe for Ground Beef And Chickpea Curry, I was curious about how the ingredients would blend together. After a few trials, I discovered the key is to sauté the spices before adding the meat and chickpeas. This enhances the flavor and allows the spices to bloom. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, ensuring that your taste buds will be excited with every forkful.

One evening, I decided to experiment by adding a splash of coconut milk to the curry, which created a creamy texture that further enriched the dish. It was a hit! This dish has now become a staple in my weekly meal rotation, not only because of its delicious taste but also how quick it is to bring together.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of savory ground beef and hearty chickpeas
Deliciously spiced, offering a rich flavor profile
Can be made in under 40 minutes for a quick yet satisfying meal

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef And Chickpea Curry plays a vital role in developing its rich flavor. The ground beef not only contributes to the dish's heartiness but also absorbs the spices beautifully, providing a savory base. Opt for a leaner cut of beef to minimize excess fat while ensuring a satisfying texture. The chickpeas add a nutty essence and a creamy mouthfeel that complements the spices, making every bite a delightful experience.

The freshness of onion and garlic lays the foundation for the aromatic profile of the curry. Sautéing these ingredients until the onion is translucent releases natural sweetness, balancing the spices that follow. Remember to chop the onion finely for even cooking and a smoother texture in the sauce. Fresh cilantro, added as a garnish, not only enhances the visual appeal but offers a bright, fresh taste that cuts through the richness of the curry.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Cooking the ground beef properly is crucial to prevent it from becoming tough. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly without steaming. Look for a rich brown color along with some crispy edges, which enhances the overall flavor. If you notice any excess grease while cooking, carefully drain it, but leave a little for depth of flavor in the final dish.

When it comes to adding spices, a brief sauté can significantly elevate their flavors. After incorporating the curry powder and cumin, keep stirring for about two minutes until you can distinctly smell the spices. This step releases their essential oils, which infuse the curry with a robust flavor profile. If you find the curry becoming too thick during simmering, simply stir in a splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious curry:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Once you have all of the ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Ground Beef And Chickpea Curry:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Ground Beef

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 8 minutes.

Add the Spices

Stir in the curry powder and cumin, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Incorporate Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes along with the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Simmer and Season

Let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with rice or naan!

Enjoy your deliciously homemade curry!

Pro Tips

For added creaminess, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This curry pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or warm naan, which is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. I love to sprinkle some lime juice over the finished dish for an added zing, enhancing the flavors and brightness of the curry.

If you're entertaining or meal prepping, consider serving this dish in individual bowls topped with cilantro and a dollop of yogurt for a creamy finish. The yogurt provides a cooling contrast to the spices, making each bite even more enjoyable. You can also offer a variety of toppings like diced avocado or sliced jalapeños, allowing each person to customize their plate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Ground Beef And Chickpea Curry makes for excellent leftovers. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. For reheating, simmer gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out, or pop it in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through.

If you want to prep ahead of time, you can chop onions and garlic the day before, storing them in the fridge. The chickpeas can also be drained and rinsed in advance. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you’re using previously frozen curry, as additional moisture may require an extra few minutes of simmering to achieve the desired consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken works well and provides a lighter option.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the beef with textured vegetable protein or more chickpeas.

→ What can I serve this curry with?

Great sides include rice, naan, or even quinoa.

→ Can I freeze the leftover curry?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.