Beef Samosa

These crispy, golden beef samosas are filled with a fragrant mixture of spiced ground beef, onions, and aromatic herbs that create an irresistible combination of flavors. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food, these homemade beef samosas deliver authentic taste with a satisfying crunch in every bite. While the process requires some patience, the results are well worth the effort, yielding restaurant-quality samosas that will impress family and friends alike.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 60 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
• Servings: 24 samosas
• Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6-8 tablespoons cold water
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain), optional

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 2 medium onions, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Assembly and Frying:

• All-purpose flour for sealing (2 tablespoons mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
• Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 4 cups)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and carom seeds if using. Mix well with your fingers.
2. Add vegetable oil and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs and holds together when squeezed.
3. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a firm dough forms. You may not need all the water.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes until smooth and pliable. The dough should be firmer than bread dough.
5. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Make the Beef Filling:

6. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Add diced onions and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and softened.
8. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
9. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
10. Stir in coriander seeds, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
11. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro, mint, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
12. Let filling cool completely before assembling samosas. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.

Shape and Fill the Samosas:

13. Divide rested dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll into a thin oval about 6 inches long.
14. Cut each oval in half to create 24 semicircles.
15. Take one semicircle and form a cone by bringing the straight edges together, overlapping slightly. Seal with flour paste.
16. Hold the cone in your palm and fill with 1-2 tablespoons of beef filling, leaving space at the top to seal.
17. Wet the open edges with flour paste and press firmly to seal, creating a triangular shape. Ensure all edges are completely sealed to prevent bursting during frying.
18. Place completed samosas on a tray and cover with a slightly damp cloth to prevent drying.

Fry the Samosas:

19. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (165°C). The oil should be deep enough to completely submerge the samosas.
20. Carefully add 4-5 samosas to the oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to turn light golden.
21. Increase heat slightly and continue frying for 3-4 more minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and crispy.
22. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining samosas.
23. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Success

Dough Consistency: The dough should be firm enough to roll thin without tearing, but not so stiff that it cracks. If too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time.

Filling Temperature: Always let the beef filling cool completely before assembling. Hot filling will make the dough soggy and difficult to work with.

Sealing Technique: Press edges firmly and ensure no air bubbles remain inside. Poor sealing is the main cause of samosas bursting during frying.

Oil Temperature: Maintain oil temperature between 325-350°F. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside heats through; too cool and they become greasy.

Make-Ahead Option: Assembled samosas can be frozen on trays, then stored in bags for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.

Recipe Variations

Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce green chilies and red chili powder for milder samosas, or add extra for more heat.

Vegetable Addition: Mix in finely diced potatoes or peas with the beef for extra texture and flavor.

Baked Version: Brush assembled samosas with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once, for a lighter version.

Lamb Samosas: Substitute ground lamb for beef, adjusting spices to complement the stronger flavor.

Storage Instructions

Fresh samosas are best consumed immediately while crispy. Leftover samosas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

For longer storage, freeze cooked samosas in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

The beef filling can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated, making assembly quicker when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these golden beef samosas hot with traditional chutneys like mint-cilantro chutney, tamarind chutney, or spicy tomato sauce. They pair beautifully with masala chai or lassi for an authentic experience.

For entertaining, arrange samosas on a platter with small bowls of various dipping sauces and fresh cucumber slices. The combination of the crispy exterior, savory spiced beef filling, and cooling accompaniments creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

These beef samosas make excellent appetizers for dinner parties, potluck contributions, or satisfying snacks any time of day. The aromatic spices and satisfying crunch will transport you straight to the bustling streets of South Asia with every delicious bite.