The Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is a comforting dish that brings the warmth of Indian flavors into your home with minimal effort. This luscious curry features tender, fall-apart beef simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce, combined with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a cozy night in. Just a little upfront prep is all it takes before your slow cooker does the rest!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
This recipe is designed to be both delicious and easy to make, ensuring that you’ll want to prepare it again and again.
- Effortless Cooking: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can relax while your meal cooks.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, coconut milk, and spices creates a rich and satisfying dish that delights the palate.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand; this curry adapts well to different additions.
- Family-Friendly: Its mild flavor makes it appealing to both adults and children alike.
- Leftover Friendly: This curry tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will help streamline your cooking process for this delightful recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Ideal for tenderizing meat over low heat while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Large frying pan: Perfect for searing beef and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry:
For the Curry
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil or ghee
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) braising beef
- 1 large onion (peeled and chopped)
- 2 red bell peppers (deseeded and roughly chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 heaped tbsp curry paste
- 1 beef stock cube (crumbled)
- 400 g (14 oz) tin finely chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 400 ml (14 oz) tin full fat coconut milk
- 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 6 tbsp cold water
- handful of chopped coriander (cilantro)
To Serve
- pilau or boiled rice
- naan
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
Step 1: Preheat the Slow Cooker
Start by preheating your slow cooker to high.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 ½ tbsp of oil in a large pan over high heat.
- Add the seasoned beef to the pan. Sear until lightly browned (about 6-8 minutes), working in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Transfer Beef to Slow Cooker
Once seared, use a slotted spoon to add the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
- Add remaining ½ tbsp of oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium.
- Add onion and red pepper; cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Stir in Aromatics
- Mix in garlic, ginger, curry paste, and crumbled stock cube.
- Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
- Pour in tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, and coconut milk.
- Stir well; bring mixture to a boil before transferring it into your slow cooker.
Step 7: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker lid and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
Step 8: Thicken Sauce
If desired, slowly pour in cornstarch mixture while stirring until sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 9: Serve
Serve over rice sprinkled with coriander (cilantro). Pair it with naan bread for an extra treat!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
Serving Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is all about enhancing its rich flavors and textures. This dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that can elevate your dining experience.
With Rice
- Pilau Rice: Flavored basmati rice cooked with spices, offering a fragrant base for the curry.
- Boiled Rice: Simple and fluffy rice that absorbs the delicious coconut sauce perfectly.
With Bread
- Naan: Soft Indian bread ideal for scooping up the curry, adding an authentic touch.
- Chapati: A whole wheat flatbread that is light and complements the dish’s richness.
With Salads
- Tomato and Onion Salad: Fresh ingredients provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy curry.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side that balances the spice of the curry.
With Garnishes
- Chopped Coriander (Cilantro): Sprinkling fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish and enhances its flavors.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
To achieve a truly delicious Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.
- Bold seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices according to your taste. More curry paste can enhance the flavor.
- Quality beef: Use braising beef for the best texture; it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
- Fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger for an aromatic boost in flavor that dried versions can’t match.
- Thickening sauce: To achieve a richer consistency, slowly incorporate cornstarch mixed with cold water towards the end of cooking.
- Marinate ahead: If time allows, marinating the beef overnight with spices will deepen its flavor profile.
- Serve warm: Ensure your curry is served hot for optimal enjoyment, enhancing the comforting aspect of this meal.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry can take your meal to the next level. Here are some excellent choices:
- Pilau Rice: Fragrant rice cooked with spices that brings out flavors in the curry.
- Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping up every bit of delicious sauce, making it a must-have.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt dip that balances spiciness while adding creaminess.
- Tomato and Onion Salad: Offers freshness and crunch to complement the creamy curry.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to the plate.
- Pickles or Chutneys: Add a tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy coconut flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience with this Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the beef properly can lead to bland curry. Always season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Bold overcooking: Cooking the beef for too long can make it dry instead of tender. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
- Bold improper thickness: If the sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the meat and rice. Use cornstarch mixed with water towards the end to achieve the desired thickness.
- Bold skipping prep: Rushing through preparation can result in uneven cooking. Take your time chopping veggies and measuring ingredients for a balanced flavor.
- Bold neglecting flavors: Not allowing flavors to meld can lessen the curry’s taste. Letting it simmer in the slow cooker helps develop rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat for 25-30 minutes until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry?
Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is a delicious dish made with tender beef, bell peppers, and creamy coconut milk, all cooked together for rich flavor.
Can I use different vegetables in this curry?
Yes! Feel free to customize your Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry by adding vegetables like carrots or peas that you enjoy.
How do I make this curry spicier?
To increase spice levels, add more curry paste or include fresh chili peppers during cooking based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop vegetables and prepare ingredients a day ahead. Just store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry brings comfort and warmth with its rich flavors and tender beef. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe for an easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Experience the rich, comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry, a dish that effortlessly brings Indian cuisine into your home. This luscious curry features tender beef simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce enriched with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic spices. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe requires minimal prep work before your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. With its versatile nature, you can easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables and spices, making it a family-friendly favorite that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil or ghee
- 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) braising beef
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 red bell peppers (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 heaped tbsp curry paste
- 400 g (14 oz) tin finely chopped tomatoes
- 400 ml (14 oz) tin full fat coconut milk
- Chopped coriander (cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the slow cooker to high.
- Season beef with salt and pepper; sear in a frying pan until browned.
- Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same pan, cook onion and bell peppers until softened.
- Add garlic, ginger, curry paste, and crumbled stock cube; stir until fragrant.
- Mix in tomatoes and coconut milk; bring to a boil and pour over beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- To thicken, stir in cornstarch mixture if desired.
- Serve garnished with coriander over rice or with naan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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