Savoury Curried Beef & Vegetables (Easy Comfort Food)
Table of Contents
When the weather turns cold and rainy, nothing beats a warm, hearty meal straight from the stove. This Savoury Curried Beef & Vegetables recipe is a true comfort food classic — rich, mildly spiced, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare. Made in one pan with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pan stove top meal – minimal cleanup
- ✅ Family-friendly flavor – mild curry warmth without overpowering heat
- ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients – simple vegetables and beef mince
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep – reheats beautifully
- ✅ Comfort food classic – warm, filling, and satisfying
The balance of curry spice, tomato richness, and subtle sweetness from apple sauce makes this dish deeply flavorful yet approachable for all ages.
Tools
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Large deep frypan or sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for cornflour slurry)

Ingredients & Prep
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- ½ sweet potato, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp minced red chilli
- 500ml beef stock
- 1½ cups tomato passata
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp apple sauce
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 heaped tsp cornflour + 1 Tbsp water (mixed into slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Tips
- Dice vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use lean beef mince to avoid excess grease.
- Adjust chilli according to your spice preference.
How to Make
1. Brown the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frypan over medium heat. Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps.
2. Add Onion
Stir in diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add Spices
Mix in curry powder and minced red chilli. Stir well to coat the meat evenly and release the spices’ aroma.
4. Add Vegetables
Add potatoes, sweet potato, and carrot. Stir for 3–4 minutes so the vegetables are lightly coated with the curry mixture.
5. Build the Sauce
Add tomato paste, apple sauce, passata, and beef stock. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
6. Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Thicken
Remove the lid and allow the mixture to gently reduce. Stir in the cornflour slurry just before serving and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
8. Serve
Serve hot over steamed white rice.

Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes. Simply reduce or omit the red chilli for a milder flavor.
Can I substitute the beef mince?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince work well.
Why add apple sauce?
Apple sauce adds a subtle sweetness that balances the curry and tomato acidity without making the dish sweet.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Peas, zucchini, or green beans are great additions.
What can I serve it with besides rice?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even quinoa.
Recipe

Savoury Curried Beef & Vegetables
Ingredients
- 500 g beef mince
- 1 onion finely diced
- 3 medium potatoes diced
- ½ sweet potato diced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp minced red chilli
- 500 ml beef stock
- 1½ cups tomato passata
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp apple sauce
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 heaped tsp cornflour
- 1 Tbsp water for slurry
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frypan over medium heat. Add beef mince and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in curry powder and minced red chilli. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
- Add potatoes, sweet potato, and carrot. Stir for 3–4 minutes to lightly coat the vegetables with spices.
- Add tomato paste, apple sauce, passata, and beef stock. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and simmer gently until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Mix cornflour with water to form a slurry. Stir into the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Notes
- Adjust chilli to taste for a milder or spicier version.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add peas or green beans for extra vegetables.
