Beef Keema Rice Bowls

A comforting and flavorful dish, Beef Keema Rice Bowls combine ground beef simmered with peas, tomatoes, and fragrant Indian-inspired spices, served atop fluffy basmati rice. This quick and hearty meal is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying with bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Keema Rice Bowl recipe is a perfect blend of bold spices, tender beef, and aromatic ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and ideal for both quick dinners and meal prep. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and easily adaptable to different spice levels. The use of pantry staples means you can prepare this dish anytime without special ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• oil (vegetable or ghee)
• medium onion, finely chopped
• garlic cloves, minced
• freshly grated ginger
• green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• ground beef (preferably lean)
• ground cumin
• ground coriander
• turmeric
• garam masala
• smoked paprika
• salt
• diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• frozen peas
• water
• juice of lemon
• fresh cilantro, chopped
• cooked basmati rice, for serving

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using), and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
4. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to evenly coat the beef in spices.
5. Add diced tomatoes, mix, and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour in water and add frozen peas. Simmer for another 5–6 minutes until peas are tender and mixture thickens.
7. Stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
8. Serve hot over cooked basmati rice. Garnish with more herbs or a drizzle of yogurt if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Variations

• Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or lamb.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a meat substitute.
• Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati.
• Extra Spicy: Add more green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.
• Creamier Texture: Stir in a spoonful of yogurt or coconut milk at the end.
• Additional Veggies: Add diced carrots, spinach, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
• Tomato Base: Substitute with tomato puree for a smoother texture.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover keema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep rice and keema stored separately for best results.
• Freezing: The keema can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems too dry.

FAQs

What is keema?

Keema is a traditional South Asian dish made from ground meat cooked with spices, onions, tomatoes, and peas. It’s known for its rich, aromatic flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you choose to add yogurt as a topping.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate. You can omit the green chili for a milder version or add more for extra heat.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey are great leaner alternatives and work well with the same spice blend.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, the beef keema freezes well for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw before reheating.

What type of rice works best?

Basmati rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, but jasmine or long-grain white rice are also suitable substitutes.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep. Cook and store in portioned containers for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.

How do I reduce the fat content?

Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken to lower the fat content.

What can I serve on the side?

Cucumber raita, naan, or a simple salad pair nicely with this dish for a complete meal.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people or to store extra portions for later.

Conclusion

Beef Keema Rice Bowls are a nourishing, flavorful, and satisfying dish that comes together quickly and uses everyday ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or planning your meals ahead, this versatile recipe delivers both taste and convenience. Try customizing it with your favorite spices or vegetables, and enjoy a comforting, protein-rich meal anytime.

Beef Keema Rice Bowls

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A comforting, spiced ground beef dish simmered with peas, tomatoes, and Indian-inspired seasonings, served over basmati rice. Ideal for meal prep or a hearty dinner.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or ghee)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup water
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2½ cups cooked basmati rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to coat the beef in spices.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour in 1/4 cup water and add frozen peas. Simmer for another 5-6 minutes until peas are tender and the mixture is thickened.
7. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir in fresh cilantro.
8. Serve hot over warm basmati rice, optionally garnished with extra herbs or yogurt drizzle.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for variation.
• For a spicier version, increase the green chili or add a pinch of chili powder.
• Great for meal prep – store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg