One-Pot Beef Vindaloo – No Garam Masala Needed!

There’s nothing like a rich, spicy bowl of beef vindaloo to warm you up from the inside out. Traditionally, vindaloo is made with garam masala, but I’ve created a version that delivers the same depth of flavor and heat—without needing a special spice blend.

This one-pot beef vindaloo is bold, tangy, and loaded with aromatic spices. The secret? A simple marinade that brings out all the warm, authentic flavors of an Indian dish using pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s easy to make, slow-simmered for tenderness and pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice and garlic naan.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb beef, cubed into small pieces

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1/2 onion, minced

• 2 tsp chili flakes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 cups warm beef stock +1 extra cup

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

For the Marinade:

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor!).

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

• 5 cloves garlic, pressed

• 1/2 tsp curry powder

• 1/2 tsp allspice

• 1 tbsp chili flakes

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1/2 tsp coriander

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp mustard

• 1/2 tsp cumin powder

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

Directions

1. Sear the Beef – Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear until lightly browned.

2. Cook the Aromatics – Add the minced onion and cook until translucent.

3. Build the Base – Stir in the chili flakes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Simmer Low & Slow – Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add 1 more cup of water and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich.

5. Serve & Enjoy – Spoon over basmati rice and serve with warm garlic naan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔️ One-pot magic – Easy to make, easy to clean!
✔️ No garam masala needed – Uses common pantry spices.
✔️ Authentic taste – Tangy, spicy, and full of bold flavors.
✔️ Meal prep-friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Give this no-fuss, big-flavor beef vindaloo a try and let me know how you like it! 🌶🍛

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