19 Best Asian-Inspired Recipes That Start with Ground Beef

Aush (Afghani Chili)
Photo: Bonnie C

If you love quick-and-easy recipes that are flavorful and easy on the budget, you'll need these Asian-inspired ground beef recipes in your dinner rotation. They offer a world of exciting options, featuring beefy fried rice, curries, soups, stews, kabobs, meatballs, and much more. You'll love the variety! For more, check out our complete collection of Asian recipes.

01 of 19

South Asian-Style Ground Beef (Keema)

This easy beef and potato curry is ready in less than an hour. "This was Excellent!" raves Kathie. "The flavor was like no other that I've had before. Can't wait to make it again!!

02 of 19

Kheema Matar (Beef and Pea Curry)

Ground beef and green peas simmer with aromatic Indian spices in this delicious weeknight curry. "An easy and delicious curry dish with aromatic spices to warm you up from the inside out," says This One Woman. "Serve warm with rice or a side of naan bread."

03 of 19

Thai Beef Fried Rice

"This fried rice is made with ground beef, and is Thai home cooking at its best!" says Diana71. "Enjoy the delicious flavor that the soy sauce, fish sauce, and fresh tomato bring to this version of fried rice."

04 of 19

Korean Soft Tofu Stew (Soon Du Bu Jigae)

"This is is an easy and authentic version of Korean tofu stew," says susi EM. "I used to eat this every day at a very popular restaurant. It's very versatile. Small pieces of meat or seafood can be added. It's thick and great in the winter and can be made very mild or very spicy."

05 of 19

Meat and Potatoes Lumpia

"I was introduced to Lumpia (Filipino egg rolls) by a woman I used to work with," says Erica. "This is my Americanized version. It's great as a meal on the go for a busy family! Eat plain, with ketchup, or mix half ketchup and half mayo."

06 of 19

Vietnamese Beef and Red Cabbage Bowl

"I love the bold taste of Vietnamese dishes. This is packed with flavor and spice and is just beautiful in colors," says Sahara B. "I have tried doing individual bowls but prefer a family-style serving. Serve with a quality jasmine rice and spring roll for additional savory awesomeness. Add a little sliced habanero pepper if you want to increase the heat level. (I'm from Texas and like heat.)"

07 of 19

Pakistani Chapli Kebab

"Chapli kebab is a form of kebabs widely popular in Pakistan," says Rookie With A Cookie. "Mixed together with a South Asian blend of spices, the beef is flattened into circles and shallow-fried. The patty must have a charred exterior for an authentic look and flavor! Serve in a bun with pickled red onions or with a side of pita bread. Add my traditional raita (yogurt dip) to your beautiful platter!"

08 of 19

Indonesian Curried Cabbage

In this Southeast Asian-inspired dish, cabbage and ground beef are kicked up with curry powder and mango chutney. "I used a bag of cabbage and it was just the right amount," says abbyz2000. "I served it over a little bit of brown rice to make it more filling."

09 of 19

Quick Asian Beef Noodle Soup

Ready in about 30 minutes. 'Very quick to make with inexpensive ingredients," says Linda Crossett. "Can be made low fat by substituting ground turkey and baked ramen noodles, and by omitting oil."

10 of 19

Pakistani Ground Beef Curry

This mildly spiced Pakistani curry is made with ground beef and peas. Serve over steamed white rice. "Delicious and simple meal very hearty dish with some garlic naan!" says ebaee. "I did drain the ground beef and the sauce from the peas."

11 of 19

Lubia Polo (Green Bean Rice)

"Lubia Polo is a one-pot Persian dish with rice, ground beef, green beans, tomato sauce, and curry spices," says Trina. "You will need a nonstick pan so you can invert the dish onto a serving platter and preserve its crisp rice crust--the tah digh."

12 of 19

Kimchi Bokeumbab (Kimchi Fried Rice)

So simple! "This is a great way to use kimchi, simply fried with minced beef and rice," says Ann Lee. You'll top it off with fried eggs. Dinner's ready in about 30 minutes.

13 of 19

Kima

This traditional South Asian dish features ground beef, masala curry, and peas. "The spices in this season the ground beef nicely and give it a warmth of flavor," says Kim's Cooking Now. "We served this over Jasmine rice with naan bread on the side. Quick and easy to prepare as well." You can also form the beef mixture into kebabs or use as filling in samosas.

14 of 19

Asian Ground Beef and Pepper Saute

"A perfect one dish meal," says amanda1432. "This ground beef dish is served over jasmine rice and combines the flavors of garlic, soy, and ginger with a hint of heat."

15 of 19

Aush (Afghani Chili)

This ground beef, garbanzo bean, and diced tomato chili "is a delicious and exotic alternative to American-style chili," says Bonnie C. "It's not too spicy, but combines intriguing flavors. I adapted this recipe from a traditional Afghani family favorite. It may be cooked in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or soup pot. Try it also with ground lamb or ground turkey."

16 of 19

Szechuan Spicy Eggplant

Eggplant, shrimp, and ground beef are spiced up with ginger, garlic, and chile sauce. "Folks who love spicy food will approve of this fantastic meat and eggplant dish!" says ANGWEN. "This is a recipe from my Chinese mother, whose cooking is unsurpassable. Adjust the amount of chili sauce to suit your taste. Serve over hot rice."

17 of 19

Filipino Beef Giniling (Afritada Style)

This Filipino comfort food features ground beef, vegetables, raisins, and tomato sauce. "One of my favorite childhood dishes," says Bea. "This recipe is really yummy, thank you!"

18 of 19

Kabob Koobideh (Persian Ground Meat Kabobs)

These grilled Persian kabobs feature a combo of ground beef and lamb with grated onions, turmeric, and sumac. If you prefer, use all ground beef (or all ground lamb). "This is one of the most delicious kabob recipes I have ever found," says Nick Perry. "The kabobs are usually grilled over hot coals or any BBQ."

19 of 19

Beef Meatballs (Vietnamese)

These savory Vietnamese-style meatballs are served with a sweet and spicy hoisin dipping sauce. Make it a meal with rice, tomatoes, and a few cilantro leaves on the side. MommaHo rated them 5 stars: "I doubled the ginger, onion, and fish sauce. I did not have chili pepers so I drizzled in some Sriracha."

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