Growing up, I always looked forward to cozy weeknight dinners that brought comfort without being fussy. Hamburger curry was one of those meals—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.
The version I’m sharing today is inspired by the local-style Hamburger Curry Recipe Hawaii is known for: simple, satisfying, and built around pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and that unmistakable Hawaiian curry flavor.
I remember the first time I tasted it during a family trip to Hawaii—the warmth of the curry spices with tender beef and soft vegetables instantly made me feel at home. Since then, I’ve been making my own version, and I’m excited to guide you through it.
How To Make Hamburger Curry Recipe Hawaii Style
This Hamburger Curry Recipe Hawaii style is a comforting, family-friendly dish that brings together ground beef, carrots, potatoes, and curry spices in a thick, flavorful gravy.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Course: Main Course
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: Serves 4
- Calories: Approx. 420 per serving
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Hawaiian-style hamburger curry:
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 3.2 oz Japanese curry mix (1/2 box, like Golden Curry or Vermont Curry)
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground beef: I use 80/20 beef for the perfect fat balance. You can sub with ground turkey or chicken, but it will slightly change the flavor.
- Curry mix: Hawaiian-style curry often uses Japanese curry blocks for ease and flavor. Mild or medium-hot is great for family dinners.
- Potatoes & carrots: These are the backbone of the dish—hearty and comforting.
Instructions
1. Sauté The Base
Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
2. Brown The Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add The Vegetables
Toss in the carrots and potatoes. Stir them around with the beef for a minute so they pick up all that good flavor from the pan.
4. Simmer
Pour in the water and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the veggies are fork-tender.
5. Stir In The Curry Mix
Break the curry blocks into smaller pieces and stir them into the pot. Keep stirring until completely dissolved. Let the curry simmer for 3–5 more minutes until thickened.
6. Taste And Adjust
Give it a taste. Add a little more salt or pepper if needed. The curry should be rich, savory, and thick enough to coat a spoon.
What Is Hamburger Curry? Hawaiian Vs. Japanese Style
Hamburger curry is Hawaii’s comforting twist on Japanese curry. While Japanese curry often features sliced meats like pork or chicken, the Hawaiian version uses ground beef—making it more like a ground beef curry or a cozy, simplified beef curry dish.
It’s all about familiar flavors. Hawaiian cooking is big on comfort and convenience, and this recipe fits right into that spirit. Ground beef makes it budget-friendly and easy, and the curry mix delivers big flavor with little fuss.
Tips For The Best Hamburger Curry
- Cut veggies evenly: This helps everything cook at the same pace.
- Don’t skip the garlic: It adds depth and aroma to the dish.
- Use curry blocks: They bring consistency and a nice thick texture.
- Let it rest for a few minutes: The curry thickens more as it sits, and the flavor deepens.
Serving Your Hamburger Curry Like Hawaiians Do
In Hawaii, hamburger curry is almost always served over a big scoop of steamed white rice—sometimes even with mac salad on the side. That combo hits the spot! You can also spoon it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles if you’re feeling like switching it up.
Want to add some crunch? Try topping it with a few green onions or a sprinkle of furikake for a salty-savory finish.
Personal Touch / Expert Tips
This dish has become my weeknight go-to when I want something warm, filling, and low-effort. I like making it in a large skillet and letting the curry thicken naturally without rushing it.
Make it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of chili oil.
Want more veggies? Zucchini, peas, or even spinach can be stirred in at the end.
No curry mix on hand? You can use 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 tablespoon flour, and a splash of soy sauce and ketchup as a backup—though the flavor will be different.
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers
Storing: Let the curry cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the curry. It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors settle!
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Store in freezer-safe containers and reheat within a month for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Hamburger Curry Ahead Of Time?
Yes! In Fact, The Flavor Gets Even Better The Next Day.
What Type Of Curry Block Is Best For This Recipe?
Golden Curry Or Vermont Curry Blocks Are My Go-Tos. Mild Or Medium Heat Both Work Great.
Can I Use Other Proteins?
Sure! Ground Chicken, Turkey, Or Even Tofu Can Work. Just Keep The Cooking Time And Seasoning In Mind.
Is Hamburger Curry Spicy?
Not By Default. The Store-Bought Curry Mixes Are Mild Unless Labeled Hot. You Can Always Spice It Up To Taste.
Can I Use Fresh Curry Powder Instead Of Blocks?
You Can, But It Won’t Be Quite The Same. Curry Blocks Thicken And Season At The Same Time, Which Makes This Dish So Easy.
I hope this Hamburger Curry Recipe Hawaii style brings a little island comfort to your kitchen. It’s warm, simple, and great for sharing with family.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me @NazninsKitchen with your plate!
Happy cooking,
— Naznin
Ground Beef Hamburger Curry Recipe Hawaii Version
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and chopped
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 3.2 oz Japanese curry mix 1/2 box, like Golden Curry or Vermont Curry
Instructions
Sauté The Base
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
Brown The Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add The Vegetables
- Toss in the carrots and potatoes. Stir them around with the beef for a minute so they pick up all that good flavor from the pan.
Simmer
- Pour in the water and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the veggies are fork-tender.
Stir In The Curry Mix
- Break the curry blocks into smaller pieces and stir them into the pot. Keep stirring until completely dissolved. Let the curry simmer for 3–5 more minutes until thickened.
Taste And Adjust
- Give it a taste. Add a little more salt or pepper if needed. The curry should be rich, savory, and thick enough to coat a spoon.
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