Name: Slow Cooker Beef Curry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487833H36M40S
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 large yellow onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 cups baby potatoes (halved); 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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There’s something irresistible about coming home to the aroma of a bubbling Slow Cooker Beef Curry—tender chunks of beef, a creamy coconut-infused sauce, fragrant spices, and hearty potatoes, all melding together into a dish that’s pure comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight meal with family or want a simple recipe that promises bold, satisfying flavors, this curry will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Let it simmer away while you go about your day, and the work’s practically done by dinnertime!

Slow Cooker Beef Curry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Beef Curry recipe keeps things straightforward, relying on pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each play a unique role in creating depth, color, and satisfying texture. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be amazed by how such simple components deliver layers of vibrant flavor.

Beef chuck (2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Look for well-marbled beef; it becomes meltingly tender and juicy after a long, slow cook.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for searing the beef, which boosts flavor before slow cooking.
Large yellow onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and body to the curry sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives the dish its unmistakable aromatic punch.
Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brings warmth and a hint of brightness to balance the savory flavors.
Curry powder (2 tablespoons): The star seasoning that delivers classic curry flavor and golden color.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Deepens the earthy undertones and richness of the curry.
Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of earthiness and that irresistible golden hue.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor profile with gentle smokiness and rosy color.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick; add more if you love heat!
Salt (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors as the curry simmers.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings just the right touch of warmth and depth.
Diced tomatoes (1 14.5-ounce can): Infuses juicy acidity and body into the curry base.
Coconut milk (1 13.5-ounce can): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and ever-so-slightly sweet.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a silky texture.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Offers mellow sweetness and balance for the bold spices.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Squeezes in fresh acidity to wake up all the flavors at the end.
Baby potatoes (2 cups, halved): Absorb the curry sauce and make the stew extra hearty.
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): An optional garnish for bright color and a fresh finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating up your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides—this step may seem small, but it brings out loads of rich umami flavor that’ll shine through in your Slow Cooker Beef Curry. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those tasty brown bits!), toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for just 2 to 3 minutes until everything’s fragrant and beginning to soften, letting those flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Now, sprinkle in your curry powder, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Give the mixture a good stir and cook for about 1 more minute. Toasting the spices blooms their flavor, making your curry deeply aromatic and complex.

Step 4: Build the Curry Sauce

Scrape this aromatic base mixture straight into your slow cooker, right on top of the beef. Add your diced tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, brown sugar, lime juice, and the halved baby potatoes. Stir gently so everything’s coated in the spiced sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. When the beef is fall-apart tender, potatoes are perfectly cooked, and the sauce has thickened, you know your Slow Cooker Beef Curry is ready!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, give your curry a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and brightness. Spoon it over fluffy rice or scoop up with warm naan for the best dinner ever.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro always does wonders for both appearance and taste—its refreshing, herbal notes cut through the richness of the curry. For extra flair, try adding a little squeeze of lime, thinly sliced green onions, or a swirl of coconut cream before serving.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with classic steamed basmati rice or buttery naan to catch every spoonful of sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your curry with fluffy coconut rice, quick pickled red onions, or a simple cucumber salad for a cooling crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Slow Cooker Beef Curry in individual bowls for a comforting stew experience, or pile it atop a vibrant platter of golden turmeric rice for a celebratory table centerpiece. Leftovers are delicious tucked into wraps or spooned over roasted vegetables for a lighter meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Curry stores beautifully! Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them into airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavor actually deepens as it sits.

Freezing

This curry is a freezer champion: once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a little space for expansion). It’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy weeknight dinners you’ll look forward to.

Reheating

For the best results, warm your Slow Cooker Beef Curry gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave single servings—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so everything’s evenly warmed and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, stew meat or boneless short ribs are great alternatives that will turn out just as juicy in your curry.

Is this Slow Cooker Beef Curry very spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from the spices and a hint of cayenne, but you can adjust the heat to your preference. For more spice, increase the cayenne or add chopped chili peppers; for milder curry, just leave it out.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, peas, bell peppers, or even spinach near the end of cooking for added nutrition, color, and texture without overwhelming the main flavors.

Will this work in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to sear and cook your aromatics, then set to stew or manual high pressure for about 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Is Slow Cooker Beef Curry gluten free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free—just double-check your curry powder and other labeled ingredients to ensure there’s no sneaky gluten added.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hearty, fuss-free dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Beef Curry is your answer. With tantalizing aromas and flavors that only get better with time, it’s the perfect dish to share—or savor all week long. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!

Slow Cooker Beef Curry Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that simmers to perfection in your crockpot. Tender beef chunks in a rich, spiced coconut curry sauce make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve over steamed rice or with naan for a complete Indian-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Curry:

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

Curry Sauce:

1 large yellow onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cups baby potatoes (halved)

Garnish:

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Sear Beef: Heat oil in a skillet and brown beef cubes in batches. Transfer to slow cooker.
Prepare Curry Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger. Add spices and cook briefly. Transfer to slow cooker.
Cook in Slow Cooker: Add tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, sugar, lime juice, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro before serving.