Are you craving a delicious, hearty meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This slow cooker curry beef recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend dinner. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with aromatic spices and simmered to perfection – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is a fantastic example of how easy healthy meals can be, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step adds depth of flavor to your delicious curry. Set the browned beef aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, beef broth, curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful your curry will become.
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Add Peppers: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped bell peppers. This prevents them from becoming mushy while still allowing them to absorb the delicious curry flavors.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Curry Beef:
- Don't skip searing the beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a rich, caramelized flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder curry, omit it altogether.
- Use quality spices: Using fresh, high-quality spices will significantly impact the overall flavor of your curry.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the curry and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or curry powder depending on your preference.
Variations:
- Vegetable Curry: Add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or peas along with the bell peppers.
- Chicken Curry: Substitute the beef with 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Spicy Curry: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few chopped chili peppers for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This slow cooker curry beef recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking and the incredible flavor of this delicious curry!