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, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon garam masala; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Festive Seasonal Food Favorites

I absolutely adore this Ground Beef and Chickpea Curry! The combination of tender ground beef and hearty chickpeas in a fragrant, spiced sauce makes for a comforting dish that's perfect for any day of the week. Every time I make this recipe, I love watching my family gather around the table, eagerly anticipating a big bowl of this delicious curry. It's simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or serving to guests. Plus, it's a fantastic way to elevate ground beef into something truly special!

Created by

Hannah Lewis

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:21:35.883Z

When I first tried making this curry, I was amazed by how the spices blended together to create such a rich flavor. I've experimented with various spices, but I found that a mix of cumin, coriander, and garam masala truly elevates the dish. The secret is to toast them briefly before adding the other ingredients, which unleashes their full aromatic potential.

Another aspect I love is utilizing chickpeas as a hearty base. They not only add texture but also soak up the flavors beautifully. This combination ensures that each bite is rich and satisfying. I recommend serving it over rice or with warm naan to make the most of the delicious sauce!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and flavorful combination of beef and chickpeas
Perfectly spiced with an aromatic blend of spices
Quick and easy to prepare for any night of the week

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Ground Beef and Chickpea Curry plays a crucial role in developing the dish's rich flavor profile. The ground beef adds a savory depth that is enhanced by the spices. Choosing a good quality beef, ideally with some fat content (like 80/20), ensures a moist curry and adds extra flavor. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work as substitutes, but they may require a little extra seasoning to achieve the same richness.

Chickpeas are not just a source of protein; they also contribute a unique texture that balances the tenderness of the beef. They absorb the spices beautifully, providing a hearty bite in every spoonful. If you're in a pinch, canned chickpeas are a quick option, but dried chickpeas can be prepped ahead and will provide an even firmer texture. Just be sure to soak and cook them thoroughly to avoid any graininess.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The key to a successful curry is developing the base flavors before adding liquids. When sautéing the onions, allow them to sweat until translucent rather than browning; this will prevent a burnt taste from overpowering the dish. Keep the heat at medium and stir often to avoid sticking. The addition of ginger and garlic at this stage is particularly important, as their raw smell should be cooked off, creating a beautifully aromatic blend before the spices go in.

When adding the ground beef, it’s vital to break it down into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning, which is essential for flavor development. If there’s too much moisture, the beef might steam rather than brown. A tip I like to use is to let the meat sit undisturbed for the first few minutes before stirring—it promotes better browning and builds that savory crust.

Ingredients

Ground Beef and Chickpeas

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon garam masala
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Onion and Spices

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute. Then, add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala, cooking until fragrant, around 2 minutes.

Brown the Beef

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it's browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve and Garnish

Once the curry has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, over rice or with naan.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add chopped green chilies when sautéing the onions. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or warm naan, making it a great option for gatherings.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This curry is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it a day in advance; the flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if it thickens too much during storage.

For longer storage, this Ground Beef and Chickpea Curry can be frozen in portions. Simply let it cool and place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring you get as much air out as possible. It’s best used within 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it back up; this helps retain the texture of the chickpeas and ensures even heating.

Serving Suggestions

To enjoy this curry in its best light, serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread. The rice helps soak up the flavorful sauce, while naan can be used to scoop up the hearty chunks. For some added freshness and contrast, consider a side salad with cucumber and tomato drizzled with lemon juice to brighten the meal.

Adding a dollop of yogurt or raita on top can bring a cooling element to the spice, making each bite more balanced. Furthermore, feel free to customize this dish by adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers towards the end of cooking—they’ll wilt beautifully and add additional nutrition without detracting from the core flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a lighter option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with additional chickpeas or replace it with a plant-based ground meat.

→ What should I serve with this curry?

This curry pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, quinoa, or warm naan bread to soak up the sauce.