Spicy Ground Beef & Potato Recipe with Serrano – Indian Inspired

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Ground Beef & Potato Recipe with Serrano – Indian Inspired

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a bit of a fusion – taking the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine and pairing them with a hearty beef and potato filling. I first made this when I was craving something warm and spicy, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, and honestly, it’s pretty easy to throw together. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Ground Beef & Potato recipe is a real winner for a few reasons. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the aromatic spices and a little kick from the serrano pepper. It’s also wonderfully comforting – the potatoes and beef are so satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to experience Indian-inspired flavors if you’re new to the cuisine. And, it pairs beautifully with warm, crispy naan!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• 3 tablespoons ghee
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound potatoes, cubed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup peas
• Cilantro leaves, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and how to get the best results:

Ghee: The Significance of Clarified Butter in Indian Cooking

Ghee is essential in Indian cooking. It’s clarified butter, which means the milk solids have been removed, leaving behind a rich, nutty flavor. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it perfect for frying. You can find ghee at most Indian grocery stores, or even make your own! (About 450g butter yields roughly 340g ghee).

Serrano Pepper: Heat Level & Substitutions

Serrano peppers pack a punch! They’re hotter than jalapeños, so adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can substitute with a jalapeño, or even remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano to reduce the spiciness.

Garam Masala: A Guide to This Essential Spice Blend

Garam masala is a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Every family has their own version, so the flavor can vary. You can find pre-made garam masala at most grocery stores, or make your own for a truly authentic flavor.

Coriander Powder: Fresh vs. Ground – What’s the Difference?

Coriander powder is made from dried coriander seeds. While fresh cilantro (the leaves) has a bright, citrusy flavor, coriander powder is warmer and earthier. They aren’t interchangeable, but both add wonderful depth to Indian dishes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, melt 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes and fry for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly golden. Remove the potatoes from the pan and set them aside.
2. In the same pan, melt the remaining ghee. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they become fragrant and slightly browned. This is where the magic starts!
3. Now, add the chopped onions and serrano pepper. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced ginger, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until everything is fragrant. This blooms the spices and releases their full flavor.
5. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
6. Finally, add the peas and the cooked potatoes back to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the potatoes. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they get crispy.
• Toasting the cumin seeds in ghee is a crucial step – it really enhances their flavor.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to your liking.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

Vegan Adaptation

Swap the ghee for a plant-based oil like coconut or sunflower oil. Replace the ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a hearty vegan version.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free naan or rice.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Extra Spicy)

Reduce or omit the serrano pepper and cayenne pepper for a milder flavor. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder or a finely chopped chili pepper. My friend, Priya, loves to add a dash of ghost pepper powder – but be warned, it’s hot!

Festival Adaptation (Navratri/Diwali – Fasting-Friendly Options)

During fasting periods, you can skip the potatoes and use singhara (water chestnut) flour dumplings instead. Also, ensure all spices used are permitted during the fast.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Ground Beef & Potato is fantastic served with:

• Warm, crispy naan bread (paleo naan recipe: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes)
• Steamed basmati rice
• A side of raita (yogurt dip) to cool things down
• A simple salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great choices because they hold their shape well during frying.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the beef and potato filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

Is it possible to reduce the spiciness of this dish?

Absolutely! Remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano pepper, or substitute it with a jalapeño. You can also reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

What is a good substitute for ghee?

You can use butter or a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil. However, ghee adds a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate.

Can I use other ground meats besides beef?

Definitely! Ground lamb, turkey, or chicken would all work well in this recipe.