Name: One-Pan Beef and Chickpeas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef; 2 (14-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained; 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (about 1 thumb-sized knob); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2/3 cup water

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This 20-minute one-pan beef and chickpeas recipe is a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights. Inspired by the traditional keema chole from the Indian subcontinent, it combines ground beef, chickpeas, aromatic spices, and tomato paste for a comforting dish that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly fast and requires just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The blend of spices gives it a warm, comforting flavor without needing hours to cook. It’s versatile too—I can switch up the protein or add veggies to keep it fresh and interesting. Plus, it’s filling and pairs beautifully with rice or flatbread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef
2 (14-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained
2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 2 garlic cloves)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (about 1 thumb-sized knob of ginger)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2/3 cup water

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Using your hands, gently form the ground beef into 4 even-ish patties, pressing just enough to hold them together.
Place the patties in the skillet and cook undisturbed until deeply browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
Flip the patties, then add the drained chickpeas to the pan. Cook until the chickpeas start turning brown and bursting, about 7 minutes. Use a spatula or spoon to break the beef patties into small pieces and mix with the chickpeas; breaking some chickpeas is okay.
Add the grated garlic, ginger, onion powder, cumin, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about a minute to blend the spices with the beef and chickpeas.
Stir in the tomato paste, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan’s bottom.
Keep the heat at medium-high and add the water. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 5 servings.
Prep time is roughly 5 minutes, with 15 minutes cooking, totaling 20 minutes to a delicious meal.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe simple, but it’s easy to customize:

Toss in frozen peas or spinach to sneak in some greens.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for different flavors.
Use cooked brown or green lentils instead of chickpeas for a twist.
Add beef broth instead of water for a stew-like consistency.
Spice it up with sliced fresh chili or red chili flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of water and warm it gently in a pan, stirring occasionally to loosen the mixture. It also reheats well in the microwave—covered with a little water, I heat it in 45-second bursts, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, I recommend swapping the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The spices and chickpeas provide plenty of flavor to keep it satisfying.

What if I don’t have garam masala?

If I’m out of garam masala, I use a mix of ground coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to replicate the warm spice blend.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! It reheats well and the flavors actually deepen if made a day in advance.

What can I serve with this dish?

I usually serve it with steamed basmati or jasmine rice, but warm flatbreads like roti or paratha work great too. A dollop of yogurt and some fresh cilantro add nice freshness.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?

Yes, I often add sliced chilies or sprinkle red chili flakes while cooking to give it some heat.

Conclusion

This 20-minute one-pan beef and chickpeas recipe is a fantastic go-to when I want something quick, filling, and full of flavor. It’s a simple twist on a classic keema chole that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine. With just a few staple ingredients and easy steps, I’m able to enjoy a comforting, protein-rich meal that I’m always happy to come back to.