Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry

This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is the ultimate comfort food—packed with rich, aromatic spices and tender beef simmered in creamy coconut milk. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a fall evening, offering the perfect balance of warmth and spice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this curry is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef coconut curry is an absolute flavor bomb. The slow cooker ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the coconut milk adds a velvety richness that’s balanced by the earthy spices of curry, cumin, and turmeric. The addition of ginger, garlic, and tomato paste deepens the flavor, making each bite an explosion of comforting goodness. It’s the perfect meal to come home to after a long day and will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas. Plus, it’s paired with basmati rice and topped with fresh cilantro, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons curry powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• Cooked basmati rice for serving

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics:

1. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.

Add the Spices:

1. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and become fragrant.

Transfer to Slow Cooker:

1. Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add the cubed beef and coconut milk, stirring to combine everything well.

Cook the Beef:

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and fully cooked.

Season and Serve:

1. Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Serve the curry over basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 6-8 hours

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Storage/Reheating

This curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed. It also freezes well—just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or brisket for this recipe. Just cut them into small cubes and adjust the cooking time as needed. Tougher cuts like chuck work well in the slow cooker and become tender after several hours of cooking.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to cook the onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, then add the beef and coconut milk. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes. This method will cut down the cooking time significantly while still delivering tender beef and rich flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the beef for tofu, chickpeas, or any vegetable of your choice (such as sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or mushrooms). The cooking process will be the same; just ensure that the tofu is pressed to remove excess water if using that.

How spicy is this curry?

This curry has a mild to medium level of spice due to the Sriracha and the curry powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more Sriracha, chili flakes, or even fresh chopped chilies. You can also adjust the spices to your preference.

Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?

Yes, you can use light coconut milk if you want a lower-fat version of this dish. However, the full-fat coconut milk adds a richness and creaminess to the curry that light coconut milk may not replicate fully.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is the perfect dish for cozy nights, packed with rich, comforting flavors and tender beef. It’s easy to make, packed with aromatic spices, and the creamy coconut milk adds a velvety texture that everyone will love. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to please!

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