Slow Cooker Indian Beef Curry Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Indian Beef Curry is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender beef simmered in aromatic spices creates a rich, creamy curry that’s simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped to save time.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), diced tomatoes with juices, coconut milk, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors are well developed.
6. Step 6: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or brown sugar as needed.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper flavor, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, but you can skip browning to save time.
• Add more cayenne pepper or fresh chili for extra heat.
• Substitute beef chuck with lamb shoulder for a different twist.
• Use Greek yogurt or cream instead of coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This curry also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this curry?

Yes, you can use other cuts like stew meat or brisket, but beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before using the slow cooker?

Browning the beef adds flavor and helps develop a richer curry, but if short on time, you can skip this step and cook the beef directly in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Indian Beef Curry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Indian Beef Curry recipe offers a rich, flavorful, and tender beef curry that is easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time. Using a blend of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and slow-cooked beef chuck, this dish delivers authentic Indian-inspired flavors perfect for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Oil

• 2 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Aromatics and Spices

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Liquids and Extras

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes to enhance flavor. This step can be skipped if short on time.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed aromatics into the slow cooker. Add curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), diced tomatoes with juices, coconut milk, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the curry and adjust seasoning if needed by adding additional salt, pepper, or brown sugar.
6. Garnish and Serve: Serve the curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.

Notes

• Browning the beef adds depth of flavor but can be omitted to save time.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity or omit for a milder curry.
• Feel free to substitute beef chuck with lamb or chicken, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• For thicker curry, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or reduce liquid quantities slightly.
• Leftover curry tastes even better the next day and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Keywords: Indian beef curry, slow cooker curry, beef chuck recipe, easy Indian curry, coconut milk curry