Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and Coconut Milk
This rich and aromatic beef curry features tender chunks of beef simmered slowly with warm spices and creamy coconut milk, delivering deep, comforting flavors. This indian-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium (150g) onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 14 oz (400g) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 30 seconds to release the spices' aroma.
- Step 5: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return the browned beef to the pot, add 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk and 1 cup beef broth, stir to combine.
- Step 7: Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover and cook gently for 2 hours until beef is tender.
- Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and Coconut Milk take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and Coconut Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and 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
- ★★★★★
Best beef curry I've ever made. The garam masala really shone through and the slow cooking made the beef fall apart. Will be making this again and again!
- ★★★★★
This curry was absolutely delicious! The beef was so tender and the coconut milk gave it that perfect creamy texture. My whole family loved it.
- ★★★★★
My husband, who doesn't usually like curry, asked for seconds. The slow-cooked beef was so tender and the flavors were amazing. I'll be using this recipe for all my beef curries now.
