Slow Cooker Beef Curry

Serve this slow cooker beef curry with a generous portion of rice for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. And if you’re watching your calorie intake, simply adjust the rice portion down to 150g without sacrificing any of the flavour!

Can you cook beef curry in a slow cooker?

A slow cooker is ideal for beef curry. It allows the beef to become incredibly tender while letting the flavours of the curry sauce develop slowly over time. It’s the perfect low-effort fakeaway recipe.

What cut of beef is best for slow cooker curry?

Beef stewing steak, braising steak, or chuck work best for slow cooker beef curry. These cuts break down beautifully during long, slow cooking, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How long should I cook beef curry in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, depending on your schedule. The beef should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork when it’s done.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef adds extra depth of flavour but it’s totally optional – especially if you want a quicker prep. This recipe still delivers bold taste even with a “throw and go” method.

Is this beef curry spicy?

This recipe has a moderate level of heat thanks to the whole chilli, but it’s easy to adjust. For a milder version, use half a chilli or remove the seeds. For more spice, add extra chilli or a pinch of cayenne.

What makes this beef curry a fakeaway recipe?

It’s full of rich, takeaway-style flavour but made healthier at home with simple ingredients. You control the spice, fat content, and portion size – making it a lighter, budget-friendly alternative to a traditional Indian takeaway.

Why is there peanut butter in this curry?

The hint of creamy peanut butter adds a subtle nutty richness to the curry sauce, balancing the heat and deepening the overall flavour. It’s not overpowering – just enough to make it irresistible.

Can I make this beef curry dairy-free or gluten-free?

This curry is naturally dairy-free. Just double-check that your stock and curry paste (if using) are gluten-free to keep the whole dish suitable.

Can I freeze slow cooker beef curry?

Absolutely. This curry freezes really well. Cool it completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat for a quick midweek fakeaway fix.

What should I serve with slow cooker beef curry?

Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A dollop of Greek yoghurt or fresh coriander on top is great for balancing the spice.

Is this slow cooker beef curry healthy?

Yes – especially if you control your rice portion. This fakeaway beef curry is high in protein, low in processed ingredients, and easy to adapt for lighter eating. Keep your rice to 150g cooked per portion to manage calories without compromising flavour. If you enjoyed making this recipe, you can pick up a copy of my latest slow cooker book Slow Cooker Even Easier for more quick and easy slow cooker recipes like this one.

@boredoflunch

Slowcooker Beef Curry (Low cal) 🍛🥩 (516 cals a serving including 200g rice) Love a beef curry and this is pure banging. Adding a small touch of peanut butter really elevates the sauce with a whole chilli to give it heat. For life changing easy Slowcooker recipes my new Six Ingredient Slowcooker book is £10 on preorder 📕 Ingredients – 500g beef 🥩 – 1 x onion 🧅 – 1 tsp of peanut butter 🥜 – 1.5 tbsp curry powder – 1 tbsp cumin – 1 tbsp Garam masala – Fresh coriander 🌿 – 1 red chilli 🌶 (no seeds) – 150ml of beef stock – 1 can of chopped tomatoes 🍅 (Sometimes I use coconut milk instead) – 1-2 tbsp of tomato purée 🍅 – Salt and pepper 🧂 – 4-5 garlic cloves (I love garlic) 1. Add everything above to the Slowcooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, you can also cook on low for 7-8. 2. Top the bowls with nuts, coriander and red chilli Enjoy #curry #beef #lowcalorie #lowcal #lowcost #video #recipe #easymeals #easyrecipes #recipe #moneysavingrecipes #moneysaving #budget #budgeting #timesaving #hungry #mealprep #cals #calories #food #lunch #dinner #prep #cals #calories #caloriecounting #tracking #slowcooker #slowcooked #crockpotrecipes #crockpotrecipes #onepot #onepan #slowcookerrecipes #tiktok #foryou #fyp

♬ original sound – Bored of Lunch

What is the best cut of beef for the Slow Cooker Beef Curry?

For the best slow cooker beef curry, opt for cuts that become tender with long, slow cooking. Chuck steak or braising steak are ideal choices. These cuts come from the shoulder of the cow and have a good amount of marbling, which melts during the slow cooking process, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin or fillet, as these can become tough and dry in the slow cooker. Remember, the slow cooker is perfect for transforming tougher, less expensive cuts into deliciously tender meat.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker beef curry, you can easily adapt it to make a chicken curry. Simply substitute the beef with boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks. Chicken thighs work better than breast meat in the slow cooker as they stay moist and tender. If using chicken, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly, as chicken cooks faster than beef. Always ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Do I really not need to brown the beef before cooking in the slow cooker?

While browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can add extra flavour, it’s not strictly necessary for this slow cooker beef curry recipe. The long cooking time allows the beef to develop a rich flavour even without browning. However, if you have the time and inclination, browning the beef can enhance the overall taste and appearance of the curry. If you choose to brown the beef, do so in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning.

I don’t have any curry paste, can I use curry powder?

Yes, you can use curry powder instead of curry paste in your slow cooker beef curry. However, keep in mind that curry powder and curry paste have different concentrations of flavour. As a general rule, use about 1 tablespoon of curry powder for every 2 tablespoons of curry paste called for in the recipe. You might also want to add a bit of tomato paste or puree to make up for the missing liquid from the curry paste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed during cooking.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Making this slow cooker beef curry gluten-free is quite simple. Most of the ingredients in a typical beef curry are naturally gluten-free. However, you’ll need to check your curry paste or powder to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten. If using stock cubes or ready-made stock, make sure they’re certified gluten-free. Serve the curry with rice or gluten-free naan bread instead of regular naan. Always double-check all packaged ingredients to be certain they’re gluten-free.

What can you serve with Beef Curry?

Slow cooker beef curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. The most traditional accompaniment is basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious curry sauce beautifully. You could also serve it with naan bread for dipping, or poppadoms for a crunchy contrast. For a healthier option, try cauliflower rice or a mix of brown and white rice. A side of cucumber raita or a simple green salad can add a refreshing touch to balance the rich curry. Don’t forget some mango chutney on the side for a sweet and tangy kick!

What if I don’t have coconut milk?

If you don’t have coconut milk for your slow cooker beef curry, don’t worry! You can substitute it with regular milk or cream for a rich texture, though the flavour will be slightly different. For a dairy-free option, try using almond milk or cashew cream. If you’re looking to keep the coconut flavour, you could mix some coconut cream (if you have it) with water to achieve a similar consistency to coconut milk. In a pinch, you could even use natural yoghurt, but add it towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slow cooker beef curry can be a treat! Allow the curry to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 3 days. The flavours often develop and improve overnight, making it even tastier the next day. You can also freeze portions of the curry for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the hob or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Fancy some other easy Slow Cooker recipes?

If you’ve enjoyed this slow cooker beef curry, why not try some other delicious slow cooker beef recipes?

• Slow Cooker Beef Noodles With Peanut Sauce
• Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Pepper Beef
• Slow Cooker Honey Chilli Beef Noodles
• Slow Cooker Thai Basil Beef
• Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Tacos with Lime & Chipotle Mayo