If you’ve ever found yourself hypnotized by the warm aroma of biryani rice steaming under layers of marinated beef and caramelized onions, you’re in the right place. This Layered Dum Beef Biryani is a celebration of comfort, spice, and tradition—all packed into a one-pot wonder. Inspired by the bold flavors of the Karachi biryani recipe and the slow-cooked charm of a Hyderabadi biryani recipe, this version delivers a hearty, layered experience that hits every note: tender beef, fragrant rice, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you're craving something indulgent for your weekend dinner ideas, or looking to shake up your usual lunch ideas, this dish deserves a spot on your table.
Layered Dum Beef Biryani
Prep Time 35 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a lid for the dum cooking
Mixing bowls for marinade and herb prep
Frying pan for onions
Large strainer for draining rice
For the marinated beef
- 1.5 lbs boneless beef chuck or stewing beef
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1.5 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
For the biryani rice
- 2 cups aged basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 green cardamom pods
- Salt to taste
For layering and garnish
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup oil or ghee
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped mint
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp saffron-infused milk
- Fried onions for garnish
- 1 tbsp rose water optional for aroma
Marinate the beef
In a bowl, mix your beef with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and salt. Let this marinated beef rest for at least 1 hour (overnight if you can), allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.
Cook the rice
Rinse the rice thoroughly, then boil with whole spices and salt until about 80% done. Drain and set aside.
Caramelize the onions
Heat oil or ghee in a pan and fry the onions on medium heat until golden brown. Set aside half for layering and garnish.
Cook the beef
In your main biryani pot, cook the marinated beef on medium heat until tender and the oil separates—this usually takes about 45–50 minutes. Add a splash of water if it begins to stick.
Layer it up
Remove half the cooked beef from the pot. Start layering: one portion of rice over the beef in the pot, followed by mint, cilantro, and fried onions. Add the remaining beef, then more rice. Top with the rest of the herbs, onions, saffron milk, and rose water if using.
Dum time
Seal the pot with foil and a tight lid. Cook on very low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and let it sit for another 10 minutes before opening.
Serve
Gently fluff with a large spoon, making sure not to break the rice grains. Serve hot with cucumber raita or spicy chutney.
Pairings
Pair your beef biryani with a classic raita made from yogurt, cucumber, and mint, or add some heat with a spicy tomato chutney. A side of pickled onions brings crunch and tang, while a fizzy drink or a tall glass of chilled lassi rounds things out beautifully. If you're planning a full spread, start with simple appetizers like samosas or kebabs and finish the meal with a traditional dessert like kheer or sheer khurma for that true South Asian feast vibe.
FAQs
1. What kind of beef should I use for beef biryani?
Boneless chuck, brisket, or any stewing beef works great. These cuts become fork-tender after slow cooking and soak up the biryani masala beautifully.
2. How is this different from chicken or lamb biryani?
Chicken biryani tends to be lighter and faster to cook—great if you’re following an easy chicken biryani recipe. Lamb biryani recipe variations share a similar richness to beef but with a slightly gamier flavor. Beef biryani stands out with deep, earthy notes that really come through in the dum cooking method.
3. Is this a traditional Pakistani dish?
Yes! This beef biryani recipe draws heavy influence from Pakistani dishes, especially those served at weddings and family gatherings in cities like Karachi. It’s hearty, spicy, and made for sharing.
4. Can I watch a video version?
Search for a beef biryani recipe video online if you'd like a visual walkthrough. Seeing the layering process and rice texture in action can be super helpful.
5. Is this an easy biryani recipe for beginners?
It may look intimidating, but once you break it down, it’s pretty straightforward. If you’ve tried a biryani rice recipe before or made any kind of food biryani, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s easier than you think—and way more rewarding.
