Indian-Style Beef Curry with Coconut Milk
A creamy and aromatic curry made with tender beef chunks in a fragrant coconut milk base, infused with classic Indian spices. This indian-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs pounds beef stew meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cups, cooked basmati rice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 1.5 pounds beef stew meat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 finely chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon ground coriander. Stir for 1 minute until spices are toasted and aromatic.
- Step 4: Return beef to pot and stir in 1 can coconut milk, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro just before serving. Serve over 2 cups cooked basmati rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Indian-Style Beef Curry with Coconut Milk take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Indian-Style Beef Curry with Coconut Milk?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds beef stew meat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Indian-Style Beef Curry with Coconut Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Indian-Style Beef Curry with Coconut Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Indian-Style Beef Curry with Coconut Milk?
Indian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
