Slow-Cooked Beef Curry Recipe

The kind of meal that earns silence around the table, slow-cooked beef curry is all about richness, warmth, and that unmistakable depth you only get when time does the heavy lifting. It’s not showy, but it *is* deeply satisfying — full of spice, comfort, and fork-tender bites. If you’ve been after a recipe that delivers bold flavour with minimal effort, this slow cooker favourite more than earns a place in your rotation.

This recipe is packed with warm spices, tender beef, and a creamy finish, built for real flavour without the fuss. If you’re craving a great recipe that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers generous depth, you’re in the right place.

PREP TIME

20 minutes

COOK TIME

8 hours

TOTAL TIME

8 hrs 20 min

SERVING SIZE

4-6 people

Essential Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Beef Curry

To create a delicious beef curry full of character, gather the following:

750g organic beef or beef minute steak, cubed
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp curry paste (your preferred variety)
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
400ml coconut milk
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander, for garnish

Optional additions: diced sweet potato, baby spinach, or peas

This recipe works well with different textures and cuts. For a leaner option, organic beef mince brings lovely flavour and cooks down beautifully. Prefer something chunkier? Beef minute steak is a great alternative.

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Organic Minute Steak

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Racalia Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Coconut Kitchen Coconut Milk

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Thai Green Curry Paste

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Step-by-Step: How to Chargrill Lamb Leg Steaks Perfectly

This slow cooker method is designed to build flavour in layers, then give it time to bloom.

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Build the Flavour Base

Season the beef with sea salt before cooking. In a hot frying pan over medium heat, brown the beef in batches. You want to aim for just enough brown colour to seal in the flavour and build a rich, savoury foundation.

Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker after carefully draining off any remaining oil from the pan. This keeps the final dish balanced and prevents the sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices

In the same pan, add the extra virgin olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook gently over medium heat until softened and fragrant. Stir in the curry paste, curry powder, ground coriander, and garam masala. Toasting the spices helps release their essential oils and intensifies the flavour.

Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 3: Transfer Everything to the Slow Cooker

Pour the spiced onion mixture over the beef. Add the coconut milk, lime juice, and salt to taste. Stir gently to combine. Put the lid on and set the slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. You’re looking for meat that pulls apart easily with a fork.

This is also the time to add any vegetables that take longer to cook, like sweet potatoes.

Step 4: Slow Cook Beef Curry Until Tender

As the hours pass, your curry thickens and the aromas deepen. Don’t be tempted to lift the lid too often; each peek releases precious heat and can interrupt the cooking process. Once it’s ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

If your sauce needs thickening, remove the lid for the final 20–30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Savour the Flavour

Spoon the curry over fluffy basmati rice or scoop it up with warm naan. A side of cooling yoghurt or cucumber raita works well to balance the spice. Garnish with chopped coriander and a wedge of lime for extra brightness.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or an extra shaving of parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Beef Curry Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Slow-cooked beef curry is versatile enough for casual meals or low-key entertaining. Pair it with:

Basmati rice or pilau rice
Warm naan or chapati
Cucumber and mint yoghurt
Pickled red onions for tang
A glass of organic red wine or sparkling water with lime

Want to serve a mix? A few spoons of organic beef mince curry alongside this dish adds variety without complication.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

This is based on a single portion of slow-cooked beef curry, including sauce and spices (excluding sides):

Calories: 465
Protein: 36g
Fat: 29g (of which saturated: 15g)
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fibre: 3g
Iron: 3.1mg
Vitamin B12: 2.5µg

Actual nutrition, calories, etc, may vary depending on the cut of beef and coconut milk used, but you can expect a nutrient-dense and satisfying dish. This beef curry recipe delivers both comfort and nourishment.

Why Slow Cooking Brings Out the Best in Beef

Slow cooking does wonders for tougher cuts of beef. Over time, connective tissue softens and breaks down, transforming the meat into tender, melt-in-the-mouth bites that soak up every ounce of spice and sauce. The slow cooker also locks in moisture, making each spoonful consistently succulent.

When making a beef curry recipe like this, patience brings reward. There’s no rush — just time, flavour, and the right ingredients working in harmony.

Why This Slow-Cooked Beef Curry Is a Must-Try

This slow cooker beef curry recipe offers everything you want in a home-cooked dish: ease, depth of flavour, and adaptability. It works beautifully with a variety of cuts, from beef minute steak to organic beef mince, and it’s flexible enough to welcome your favourite vegetables or levels of heat.

If you enjoy trying new and delicious recipes with layers of spice, richness, and warmth, this one’s worth adding to your personal collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Cut of Beef for Slow-Cooked Curry?

Beef minute steak, chuck, or brisket are all good choices. They have enough connective tissue to soften over time, making them ideal for a tender finish.

Can I Use Beef Mince in Curry?

Absolutely. Organic beef mince is flavourful and cooks down beautifully. You’ll want to brown it well before slow cooking and reduce the coconut milk slightly for a thicker consistency.

Is Browning the Beef Necessary?

While not essential, browning adds richness and depth to the flavour. It helps develop flavour through caramelisation and gives your curry a lovely colour.

How Do I Stop My Curry From Going Watery?

Use less coconut milk or cook with the lid ajar during the final hour to allow steam to escape. You can also stir in a spoonful of yoghurt or tomato purée to thicken.

Can I Double This Recipe for Batch Cooking?

Yes, just ensure your slow cooker has enough room for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if the dish is very full.

Summary: Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work — You Just Enjoy the Flavour

This slow cooker beef curry recipe is the kind of dish that rewards patience and delivers deep, fragrant satisfaction every time. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or batch-cooking to make the week easier, it’s a flavour-packed favourite worth returning to.

Looking for high-quality ingredients to make your next curry even better? Visit the Rhug Estate Farm Shop for premium cuts like organic beef, beef minute steak, and organic beef mince — all produced to the highest standards. The next delicious beef curry starts with the best meat.