This beef coconut curry is a warm and creamy dish that uses a slow cooker for easy cooking. Just toss in tender beef, rich coconut milk, and flavorful spices, and let it simmer!
I love how the slow cooker does all the work while I can relax. Plus, it’s great with rice or noodles, and it makes my kitchen smell amazing! Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using beef chuck for its tenderness after slow cooking, but you can substitute it with beef brisket or even lamb if you prefer. Just remember, tougher cuts benefit from the slow cooking process!
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk makes the curry creamy and rich. If you’re looking for lighter options, use light coconut milk or even almond milk, but the texture will be less creamy.
Spices: Curry powder and garam masala are key for flavor. If you don’t have them, use a mix of cumin, coriander, and paprika. You can also adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference!
Potatoes: Instead of potatoes, you can add sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and added nutrition. Alternatively, carrots work well too!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Beef?
Browning the beef before putting it in the slow cooker is a great trick to enhance flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat oil or ghee in a skillet until hot.
- Add beef chunks in batches and brown them on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
- This caramelization develops deeper flavors that liven up the curry!
- If you’re short on time, feel free to skip this step; it’s convenient and will still taste good!
Remember, take your time with the cooking process. This dish is all about slow cooking for tenderness and flavor blending!
Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full fat preferred)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Spices and Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional, for garnish/spice)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice, to serve
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee for browning (optional but recommended)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can let your slow cooker do the work! Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. So you can set it in the morning and have a delicious dinner ready when you come home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef (Optional):
If you have time, heat vegetable oil or ghee in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches and brown them until they’re nice and seared on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds extra flavor but you can skip it if you’re in a hurry!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Transfer the browned beef (or raw beef if you skipped browning) into your slow cooker. Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Mix the Curry Sauce:
In a small bowl, blend together the curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste. Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth, mixing everything until smooth.
4. Pour Sauce Over Beef:
Now pour this flavorful coconut curry sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Add Potatoes:
Gently add the potato chunks. Stir everything lightly to make sure the ingredients are well mixed and submerged in the sauce.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The goal is tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes.
7. Final Touches:
Once it’s cooked, taste the curry and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serving:
Serve your delicious beef coconut curry hot over a bed of basmati rice. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of chopped red chili if desired!
Enjoy your creamy, rich, slow-cooked beef coconut curry that’s bursting with warming spices and tender meat. Perfect for cozy nights!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is great for its tenderness, you can use beef brisket or even lamb if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you switch to a more tender cut.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add additional chopped fresh chili peppers. You can also serve with a spicy sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice!
Can I Make This Curry Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with sturdy vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and chickpeas or lentils for added protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.