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Indian Meatballs in Curry Sauce

Tender spiced beef meatballs simmered in rich, aromatic coconut curry sauce with traditional Indian spices.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Curry Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture by combining ground beef, minced onion, garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, salt, cilantro, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Form the mixture into 16-18 uniform meatballs, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate and set aside.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 8-10 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add chopped onions and cook until translucent and lightly golden, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in all ground spices, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices and intensify flavors.
  7. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
  8. Pour in diced tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes break down and create a thick base.
  9. Slowly add coconut milk and broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  10. Season with salt and pepper, then return browned meatballs to the sauce.
  11. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and red chili slices before serving hot.

Notes

For milder curry, reduce chili powder and add heavy cream. Store refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Serve over basmati rice or with naan bread.