Are you craving a rich, aromatic, and comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Try this Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry Recipe.
It is Ppacked with tender beef, creamy coconut milk, and bold spices, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of a restaurant-style curry right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just love a hearty curry, this recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
Easy to Make: Just put all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it cook on its own while you do other things—no need to watch it.
Rich and Tasty: The mix of spices, creamy coconut milk, and soft beef makes a warm, flavorful curry that’s super comforting.
Works for Everyone: You can easily change the recipe to fit your diet or use different ingredients you have at home.
Great for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for fast, easy meals later.
Loved by the Whole Family: It’s mild enough for kids but still full of flavor for those who enjoy a little spice.
Ingredients
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp red curry paste (adjust for spice preference)
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
If you want extra flavor, you can quickly sear them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but adds depth to the taste.
Combine Ingredients: Place the beef in the slow cooker. Add coconut milk, beef broth, red curry paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder if using.
Stir everything together well.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.
The beef should be tender and the vegetables soft.
Finish: Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more curry paste if needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
Brown the Beef First: Cooking the beef quickly in a hot pan before putting it in the slow cooker gives the dish a stronger, richer taste.
Control the Spice: Use 1 tablespoon of red curry paste at the start if you want a mild curry. You can always add more later to make it spicier.
Choose Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Using full-fat coconut milk makes the sauce creamy and smooth. If you use light coconut milk, the sauce might turn out thinner and less rich.
Fresh Ginger Makes a Difference: Grated fresh ginger adds a bright, fresh flavor that you don’t get from ground ginger powder.
Add Lime Juice at the End: Squeezing some lime juice at the end helps to lift the flavors and balance the creamy richness of the curry.
Variations and Substitutions
Change the Protein: Instead of beef, you can use chicken thighs for a different taste, or use tofu if you want a vegetarian dish.
Add More Vegetables: Try adding green beans, zucchini, or spinach to include more healthy veggies in the curry.
Make It Spicier or Different: Use green curry paste instead of red for a different flavor, or add fresh chili peppers if you like it hotter.
Low-Carb Option: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower or leave them out to reduce the carbs.
Gluten-Free Choice: Use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and check that your curry paste doesn’t contain gluten.
Dairy-Free: This recipe doesn’t have dairy because it uses coconut milk, so it’s safe if you avoid dairy products.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is great because it absorbs the creamy curry sauce really well, making every bite tasty.
Serve with Naan or Flatbread: Warm naan bread or roti is perfect for dipping and scooping up the curry so you don’t miss any sauce.
Add a Side Dish: Try serving the curry with a fresh cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to add a cool, crunchy contrast to the rich curry.
Use Garnishes: Topping the curry with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or chopped peanuts adds extra flavor and a nice crunch.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead
Prep the beef and vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, add everything to the slow cooker and start cooking.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezing
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Note: Potatoes may change texture after freezing, so consider omitting them if you plan to freeze.
FAQs
Q. Can I make this curry on the stovetop?
Yes! Brown the beef in a large pot, then add all ingredients except lime juice and cilantro. Simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
Q. Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the curry paste and chili powder. Start with less paste and adjust at the end for your desired heat.
Q. Can I use light coconut milk?
You can, but the curry will be less creamy. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the best texture.
Q. What’s the best cut of beef for this curry?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Stew meat or brisket also work well.
Q. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts). Double all ingredients and keep the cooking time the same.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this slow cooker beef coconut curry recipe offers an ultimate comfort food—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy days.
With its creamy coconut base, tender beef, and customizable veggies, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a cozy dinner, this curry will become a go-to in your recipe collection. Try it today and let the slow cooker do all the work!
Read More:- Coconut Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast cubed
- 1 can 14 oz full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch ginger grated
- 2 potatoes cubed
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp turmeric cumin, coriander
- 1/2 tsp chili powder optional
- Salt pepper, cilantro
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can brown the beef in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side, but this step is optional.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Put the beef into the slow cooker. Add everything else except the lime juice and cilantro. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Finish the Curry: When it’s done cooking, stir in the lime juice. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or curry paste if needed. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
- Serve: Enjoy the curry with steamed rice or warm naan bread.
