Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry

If the words “slow cooker beef coconut curry” don’t already have your stomach doing a happy dance, then let me introduce you to the coziest weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. This dish is everything we love about cooking: big flavor, low effort, and a house that smells like you hired a personal chef who specializes in comfort food.

Let’s face it—some days feel like one long game of catch-up. Between work, kids, laundry, and trying to remember if you already started the dishwasher (you didn’t), dinner can feel like a whole extra chore. That’s where this Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry comes in to save the day, spoon in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry

For starters, it practically makes itself. Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ve got a rich, creamy curry that tastes like you hovered over the stove for hours. The beef gets melt-in-your-mouth tender, the spices bloom into something magical, and the coconut milk turns everything into a luscious, comforting sauce.

Oh, and did I mention it’s incredibly budget-friendly and picky-eater-approved? (Yes, even your “no-green-things-please” child will ask for seconds.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 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

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry

  1. Get the flavor party started: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until your kitchen smells amazing (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Spice it up: Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and tomato paste. Cook for just a minute more to wake up those spices.
  3. Into the slow cooker: Transfer everything from the skillet into your slow cooker. Add the beef cubes and pour in the coconut milk. Give it a good stir so everything gets cozy.
  4. Set it and forget it: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. (That’s one workday + errand run + after-school pickup. Boom.)
  5. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve the curry over a bed of fluffy basmati rice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Mounia’s Tips & Tricks

  • Short on time in the morning? Chop your onion, garlic, and ginger the night before and keep them in the fridge.
  • Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño in with the spices.
  • Make it stretch: Add diced potatoes or chickpeas to bulk it up even more.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This recipe was born on a Monday when I had a to-do list as long as my arm and zero desire to cook. I threw this together out of pantry staples and sheer determination to avoid takeout. That night, my husband asked if I had secretly taken a cooking class. I didn’t. But thanks to the slow cooker, I sure looked like I did!

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry with tender beef and basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro in a white bowl.
Tender and rich, this Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is the perfect weeknight comfort dish—served with basmati rice and fresh cilantro.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry

Can I use another cut of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast or even boneless short ribs work great. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day!

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Let it cool completely and freeze in portions. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Bring the Comfort to Your Table

This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is the kind of meal that makes life feel just a little easier and a lot more delicious. It’s comforting, flavorful, and designed with your busy day in mind. So go ahead—pull out your slow cooker, take a deep breath, and let dinner take care of itself tonight.

Whether you’re serving it on a quiet evening in or doubling the batch to freeze for later, this dish is here to simplify your routine and satisfy every craving. With its warm spices, creamy sauce, and tender beef, it’s a recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

Keep the Comfort Cooking Going

If this Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry warmed your soul, you’ll love exploring more cozy, flavor-packed meals. Here are some delicious ideas to keep your slow cooker busy all week long:

Your next comfort meal is just a slow cooker away!

Print
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Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry served with basmati rice and garnished with fresh cilantro in a white bowl.

Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry is a rich, comforting dish with tender beef simmered in creamy coconut milk and warm spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s an easy, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself—just set it and forget it!


Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

  • 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


Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger until fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).

  2. Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute.

  3. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add beef cubes and pour in the coconut milk. Stir to combine.

  4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the beef is tender.

  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
You can add diced potatoes or chickpeas to stretch the dish.
This curry tastes even better the next day—hello, leftovers!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg