This Beef Masala Curry is incredibly flavorful. The meat is melt in your mouth tender and the sauce is bursting with flavor. This one pot meal is so simple! It can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It is easy, healthy and so tasty!

Whole30 beef masala curry in a white bowl

Why You’ll Love This Beef Tikka Masala

This Beef Masala Curry is at the corner of healthy and delicious. Here is why you will enjoy it:

  • The spices add a little heat, a ton of flavor, and they are fragrant and aromatic when cooking.
  • This is a great way to use beef stew meat. If you have extra, make this Beef Tips and Rice or this Dutch Oven Beef Stew.
  • This beef curry uses only one pot (Instant Pot) or one skillet.
  • It is quick and easy enough for any night of the week.
  • The leftovers are even better!
  • This beef curry stores well and reheats well.
  • It is a family friendly recipe that both kids and adults love.
  • This recipe is Whole30 approved, Paleo, Grain Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free, and Low Carb.
  • Check out this Butternut Squash Curry or this Yellow Curry for another healthy dinner!

What is Masala?

Masala is a blend of spices that is commonly used in Indian dishes. Garam masala is a mix of ground spices that can be used alone or in combination with other spices.

What is Curry?

Curry is a type of dish common in Indian cuisine that uses a combination of spices of herbs. Turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, chilies and garam masala are typically used. Making a curry involves cooking a meat or vegetable dish in a spiced sauce.

Ingredients for beef curry

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Curry

Step 1

First, sauté onions and spices in olive oil in pressure cooker. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until onions are soft.

Onions in curry sauce

Step 2

Remove onions to a plate. Brown meat on all sides in pot.

Instant pot beef curry

Step 3

Once browned, add remaining ingredients (except cilantro) to the pot. Secure lid and pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.

Pressure cooker curry

Step 4

After timer goes off, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release remaining pressure manually.

Step 5

Press sauté. Sauté for 5 minutes or until sauce has thickened.

Step 6

Press cancel. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Beef masala curry with cilantro

How to Cook Stovetop Beef Curry

Step 1

First, season beef with salt and pepper. Add to a skillet over medium heat with olive oil.

Step 2

Brown meat on all sides. Then, add in onion and minced garlic.

Step 3

Once onion is soft, add all remaining ingredients except cilantro.

Step 4

Bring to a light simmer and simmer for an hour.

Step 5

Once beef is tender, turn heat off. Finally, ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and lime juice.

Expert Tips

Dice onions finely. Sauté onions until softened.

Add another drizzle of olive oil to the pot before adding beef for a crispier result.

For a thicker sauce, sauté for longer than 5 minutes after pressure cooking.

For a thinner sauce, add more beef broth until desired consistency is reached.

To add creaminess, add an optional 1/4 cup of canned coconut milk to the sauce after pressure cooking. This makes the sauce extra creamy.

Easy tikka masala in a bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! See recipe steps above for a stovetop beef curry recipe.

Can I make this in the crock pot or slow cooker?

Yes, this can be made in the crock pot. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.

What should I serve with Beef Masala Curry?

This pressure cooker curry is so versatile. Serve with cauliflower rice or potatoes for a Whole30 and Paleo option. Otherwise, serve with white rice or brown rice.

Can I make this with chicken?

Yes, this beef curry can be made with chicken. Follow the recipe steps, but use 1 inch chicken cubes. Pressure cook on high for only 10 minutes. Or, try this Tandoori Chicken with delicious Indian flavors.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes well!

How do I reheat?

Add leftovers to a skillet over low heat. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Is this curry Whole30 approved?

Yes, this beef curry is Whole30 approved. For more Whole30 ideas, see my Whole30 recipes page.

Can I make this with ground beef?

Sure. Pressure cook for only 5 minutes for ground beef. Follow the rest of the recipe the same. After browning meat, remove any excess grease from pot.

You May Also Like

If you make this recipe, I would love to see it! You can find me on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along!

Whole30 beef masala curry in a white bowl

Get the Recipe: Best Beef Masala Curry

This is the best Beef Masala Curry recipe! This beef is incredibly tender and flavorful. An easy and simple spice blend elevates the flavor of the meat. This one pot dinner is packed with flavor!
4 from 5 votes

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • First, press Sauté on pressure cooker and set to high.
  • Add olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic and all spices and seasonings to the pot. Gently stir.
  • Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes or until onions become soft. Place contents of pot onto a plate. Set aside.
  • Add beef stew meat to the pot. If needed, add another drizzle of olive oil. Sauté until meat is browned on all sides.
  • Once browned, add back in onion and spice mixture. Add tomato paste and beef broth to pot.
  • Press cancel. Secure lid on pressure cooker and turn valve to Seal.
  • Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. Mine took about 5 minutes to come to pressure.
  • Once timer has gone off, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, carefully flip valve to Vent and manually release pressure.
  • Press cancel. Then, press Sauté and sauté on high for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Finally, press cancel and remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

  • Sauté diced onions until they are slightly soft.
  • Use beef stew meat for best results.  Another cut of beef will work, but will not be as tender.
  • My pressure cooker took about 5 minutes to come to pressure.
  • After pressure cooking, let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.  Then, manually release remaining pressure.
  • For a thicker sauce, sauté more than 5 minutes after it has cooked.
  • For a thinner sauce, simply add more beef broth to pot.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat, add leftovers to a skillet over low heat until warmed.
Calories: 445kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 55g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 141mg, Sodium: 631mg, Potassium: 1463mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 695IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 77mg, Iron: 6mg

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