A little adventure for your everyday table
Pakistan · Homemade, your way

Keema with Peas

Make Pakistani-style keema with peas using ground beef, tomatoes, ginger, and warming spices. This easy skillet dinner pairs with rice or soft flatbread.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
25 min
Total time
35 min
Servings
4
↓ Jump to recipe
One PotFamily FriendlyMake Ahead
Keema matar, minced-meat curry with peas; a restaurant serving suggestion.
Photo: *_* · Source · CC BY 2.0. Serving suggestion.

Keema refers to minced meat, and peas bring color and sweetness to this Pakistani-style home version. Ground beef is easy to find and cooks quickly in a broad skillet. Break it into small pieces before simmering so the tomato and spice mixture coats it evenly. The finished dish should be moist but not soupy. Keep a thermometer handy to confirm the beef is safely cooked, and serve four portions with rice or flatbread.

Let’s make it

Keema with Peas

Serves 4 · Prep 10 min · Cook 25 min · Total 35 min

Ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion for 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  2. Add beef, cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook for 7 minutes, breaking up clumps, until the meat loses its raw appearance.
  3. Add tomatoes and measured water. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
  4. Stir in peas and garam masala. Simmer for 4 minutes, until the peas are hot and the sauce coats the meat.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in cilantro. Divide among four plates, spooning the remaining sauce evenly over each portion.

A few kitchen notes

  • Use a broad skillet to help the sauce reduce.
  • Break beef into small pieces for an even texture.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Replace beef with ground turkey; cook it to 165°F (74°C).

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 4 days. Freeze for 2 months; thaw refrigerated and reheat to 165°F (74°C).

What to serve with it

Serve with basmati rice or warm flatbread.

A conversation around the table

Comments & kitchen questions

Have a question, a useful substitution, or a result to share? Your feedback helps us make this recipe clearer and more useful.

Loading the kitchen conversation…

Your name and comment can appear publicly after review. Please leave out private details. Comments are moderated before publication.

Questions from the kitchen

Can I make Keema with Peas ahead?

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 4 days. Freeze for 2 months; thaw refrigerated and reheat to 165°F (74°C).

What if I can’t find an ingredient?

Replace beef with ground turkey; cook it to 165°F (74°C).