Craving a meal that’s both deeply comforting and bursting with exotic flavor? Look no further! This Spicy Garam Masala Beef brings the aromatic warmth of Indian spices to your table in just 40 minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. We’re talking fall-apart tender beef, a rich and savory sauce, and a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom that will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. It’s the perfect, soul-warming dish for a busy weeknight when you need something special without the fuss.
Ingredients
• Spicy Garam Masala Beef Roast
• (Total Time: 40 MIN | Serves: 4)
• 2 lbs / 900g beef shoulder roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp / 30ml olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 small red chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup / 150g cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups / 480ml chicken broth
• 1 tsp / 6g salt
• ½ tsp / 1g black pepper, ground
• ¼ tsp / 0.5g cardamom, ground
• ¼ tsp / 0.5g nutmeg, ground
• ¼ tsp / 0.5g cinnamon, ground
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Pat the beef shoulder roast dry with paper towels and cut it into 1.5-inch bite-sized cubes.2. In a large bowl, whisk together the salt, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add the beef cubes and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated in the spice mixture.3. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function on high. Add the olive oil to the inner pot. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, crushed garlic, and chopped chili pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.4. Add the seasoned beef to the pot, searing for 8-10 minutes and turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.5. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.6. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position, and pressure cook on ‘High’ for 15 minutes.7. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.8. Carefully open the lid. Stir in the diced cherry tomatoes and set the pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly.9. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: 458 Calories | 25g Total Fat | 4.2g Net Carbs | 50.8g Protein | 1.2g Fiber
Pro Tips
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing the beef. Browning the meat in batches ensures a deep, flavorful crust which is essential for the final taste of the dish.
• For a shortcut, substitute the individual spices (cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon) with 1 teaspoon of a quality pre-made garam masala blend.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the simmering sauce at the end and cook for another minute until thickened.
FAQ
Q: What cut of beef is best for Garam Masala Beef
A: Beef shoulder roast, also known as chuck roast, is ideal for this recipe. It has the perfect amount of fat and connective tissue to become incredibly fall-apart tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot.
Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Simply sear the beef and sauté the aromatics in a Dutch oven, then add the broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Q: Is this spicy beef recipe very hot
A: The heat level is moderate and comes from one red chili pepper. To make it milder, remove the seeds from the chili or omit it completely. For more heat, add an extra chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I use a pre-made garam masala spice blend
A: Absolutely. For a convenient shortcut, you can replace the individual cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of a quality store-bought garam masala blend. It’s a great way to make this easy weeknight meal even faster.
