
Hearty Potato Bean Stew with Ground Meat
The warming aromas of oriental spices, combined with tender green beans, juicy potatoes, and savory ground meat make this one-pot dish a special flavor experience. When the scents of garam masala and cumin spread through the kitchen, you know: something special is being created here.
When I first cooked this dish for my family, everyone was surprised by the harmonious connection of the spices with the familiar ingredients.
Essential Ingredients and Their Selection
- Beans: Fresh ones are crispier, but frozen works just fine too
- Potatoes: Waxy varieties maintain their shape nicely
- Ground meat: Lamb gives the most authentic flavor
- Spices: Freshly ground ones develop more flavor
Detailed Step by Step Preparation
- Create spice base
- Toast spices in ghee for more intense aroma
- Let onions turn golden brown
- Add garlic later
- Cook meat perfectly
- Brown crumbly over high heat
- Cook in small batches for better browning
- Incorporate spices well
In my family, this dish is an absolute favorite on cold days. The combination of spices and vegetables makes it a true comfort food.

The Perfect Seasoning
The key is in the right sequence:
- Toast spices in hot oil or ghee
- Sauté tomato paste well for umami
- Taste and adjust seasoning again at the end
Over the years, I have learned that the quality of the spices is crucial for the flavor.
Creative Variations
Over time, I have developed different versions:
- With yellow lentils instead of ground meat
- With additional pumpkin in autumn
- With cauliflower for extra texture
Serving Suggestions
- With fresh naan bread
- With a dollop of yogurt
- With chopped cilantro
This stew is for me the perfect combination of local and oriental cuisine. It reminds me of my travels through India, where I learned about the diversity of spices.

Storage
- Keeps refrigerated for 2-3 days
- Ideal for freezing
- Add some water when reheating if needed
A dish that shows how spices can transform everyday ingredients into something special!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen beans?
- Yes, frozen beans can be used directly. The cooking time may increase slightly.
- → Which ground meat works best?
- Ground beef is traditional, but mixed ground meat also works well. The spice mixture complements both types.
- → How spicy is this dish?
- With the specified spice amounts, it's mild to medium spicy. The amount of chili powder can be adjusted to taste.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, it actually tastes even better when reheated as the spices develop more intensely.
- → What can I use instead of garam masala?
- As an alternative, a mixture of cinnamon, cardamom and ground cloves works well. Curry also pairs nicely.