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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the curry and adjust seasoning if needed by adding additional salt, pepper, or brown sugar.
- 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
