Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry: 6 Easy Steps to Comfort

If you’re anything like me, dinner time often feels like a race against the clock. Between work, kids, errands, and whatever life throws your way, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry comes in. It’s the cozy, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself—leaving you with more time to relax (or catch up on your favorite show).

This hearty dish features tender beef that melts in your mouth, paired with a rich, homemade Massaman curry paste, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. It’s a flavor-packed experience without the stress. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into this simple yet comforting recipe that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry

• Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. No need to babysit the stove or keep checking the oven—just set it and forget it.
• Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The slow cooking process transforms the beef into a fall-apart, juicy delight. It’s like comfort food in every bite.
• Flavor Explosion: With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of spice, this Massaman curry packs a punch. Every spoonful is a taste adventure!
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just real, wholesome ingredients that bring big flavor.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: This curry is perfect for busy weeks. It’s an easy dish to make ahead and enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Feeds the Whole Family: It’s hearty, filling, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that everyone will want seconds of.
• A Cozy, Fragrant Home: The smell of this curry wafting through your house is like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that makes your home feel like a cozy haven.
• Versatile & Customizable: Whether you prefer it a little sweeter, spicier, or with extra veggies, this curry is easy to tweak to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward, and I’ve kept it as simple as possible while still delivering on flavor!

• Homemade Beef Massaman Paste: This is the heart of the curry. You can make your own or grab a pre-made version if you’re in a pinch.
• Coconut Milk: I go for light coconut milk, but full-fat works too. Just keep in mind it’ll be a little richer (and more indulgent).
• Cornstarch/Cornflour: If you want a thicker sauce, a little cornstarch does the trick.
• Beef Stock: Make sure you’re using the right amount for the recipe. You want a balanced, flavorful broth.
• Stewing Beef/Diced Beef: Opt for lean cuts, and trim off any excess fat. You want tender beef that melts in your mouth.
• Onion: A simple white onion will do the job.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness—Massaman curry is known for that delicate, balanced sweetness.
• Lemongrass Paste: I use the kind in a tube for convenience, but fresh lemongrass works great too if you have the time.
• Shrimp Paste/Fish Sauce: This gives your curry that savory umami boost. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of fishy flavors—it’s subtle but important!
• Tamarind: A little tang goes a long way in this curry. It’s one of the key ingredients that adds depth.
• Bay Leaves, Cinnamon Bark, Star Anise: These add that signature Massaman spice mix—don’t skip them!
• Peanuts: A classic topping that adds crunch and a bit of richness to each bite.
• Red Chili: For a pop of color (and a tiny bit of heat) at the end.
• Fresh Coriander (Optional): Adds a fresh, green touch for garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that tie everything together.

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Start by prepping your ingredients. If you’re making your own Massaman curry paste, blend the necessary spices and herbs until smooth. If you’re using a store-bought version, just grab it and go!
2. Brown the Beef (Optional, but Worth It!):
   If you have a couple of extra minutes, brown the diced beef in a pan with a little oil. This step adds a deeper flavor to the curry, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and just toss everything straight into the slow cooker.
3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
   Add the beef (browned or not), homemade Massaman paste, coconut milk, beef stock, tamarind, onion, and your dry spices to the slow cooker. Stir it all together to make sure the paste is evenly mixed throughout.
4. Set it and Forget it:
   Cover and cook the curry on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. Let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. Trust me, the smell will make it impossible to stay away!
5. Final Touches:
   Once the curry is ready, taste it for seasoning and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed. For a little extra richness, you can add a spoonful of maple syrup if you want a bit more sweetness.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   Ladle the curry over a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of red chili. Serve with a side salad or some naan bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry

• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch (mixed with a little water) toward the end of cooking. Stir it in, and let the slow cooker finish its work. If your sauce looks too thick, don’t worry—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen!
• Beef Options: If you can’t find stewing beef, you can use any type of beef that’s good for slow cooking, like chuck roast. Just be sure to cut it into cubes before cooking.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: The red chili is optional, so if you’re serving picky eaters, you can leave it out. The curry itself is mildly spicy, but the heat is subtle.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry

Why You Should Try This Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry

This Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry is the perfect solution to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. With a rich, savory flavor and tender beef that practically falls apart, it’s comfort food at its best. It’s got everything you want—flavor, ease, and a touch of sweetness—without the hours spent slaving over the stove. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, let your slow cooker do the hard work for you, and enjoy the delicious rewards when dinner time rolls around!

Happy cooking, and remember—great meals don’t need to be complicated. A little love, the right ingredients, and the perfect appliance (like your trusty slow cooker) can transform your dinner into something magical. Enjoy!

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

After enjoying the Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry, why not try these other amazing slow cooker meals that are perfect for any night of the week?

• Slow Cooker Beef Stew – This rich, hearty stew is a classic comfort food that’s just as satisfying as the Massaman curry. It’s perfect for cozy evenings!
• Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken – With its sweet and tangy flavor, this honey mustard chicken is an easy, delicious option for any night.
• Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs – If you love tender, fall-off-the-bone beef, these short ribs will quickly become a new favorite.
• Slow Cooker Beef Coconut Curry – For another flavorful beef curry, this coconut curry offers a creamy, comforting dish with a slightly different twist.

These easy, flavorful recipes will keep your meals exciting and stress-free!

Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Massaman Curry is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender beef, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices. The curry is cooked low and slow to develop deep flavors, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Served with fluffy rice and topped with cilantro and peanuts, this hearty dish is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb stewing beef (diced)

• 2 tbsp homemade Massaman curry paste

• 1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk

• 1 cup beef stock

• 1 tbsp tamarind paste

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp lemongrass paste (or fresh lemongrass)

• 1 tbsp fish sauce or shrimp paste

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise

• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)

• 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: If you’re making your own Massaman curry paste, blend the spices and herbs into a smooth paste. If using store-bought, simply have it ready.

2. Brown the Beef (optional but recommended): In a skillet, heat a little oil and brown the diced beef. This step adds depth of flavor to the curry, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Add the browned beef (or uncooked beef), Massaman paste, coconut milk, beef stock, tamarind, onion, sweet potatoes, lemongrass, fish sauce, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine.

4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Finish and Serve: Taste the curry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve over steamed rice, and garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and red chili.

Notes

Beef Options: You can substitute stewing beef with a leaner cut like chuck roast, which works well in slow cooking. Just make sure to cut it into cubes.
Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter curry, add a bit more maple syrup or use brown sugar.
Spice Levels: The red chili is optional, so feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan of heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cook on low)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup of curry with rice)
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg