Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and Fenugreek
Tender beef simmered low and slow in a richly spiced curry sauce built on garam masala and toasted fenugreek — the aromatic base of classic Indian slow-cooked curries, with the depth and gentle bitterness that carries a long braise. This indian-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs large diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger 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
- 2 lbs cut into 1.5-inch cubes beef chuck roast
- 1 large diced onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 4 whole cardamom pods
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs cubed beef chuck roast and brown in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, until deeply browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and 2 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 tsp ground coriander, 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 whole cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and 4 whole cardamom pods. Toast spices with onions for 2 minutes to release aroma.
- Step 5: Return browned beef to pot, then pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is tender.
- Step 7: Remove cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Stir in 1/2 cup plain yogurt to add creaminess and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Step 8: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and Fenugreek take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Fenugreek?
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 large diced onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Curry with Garam Masala and Fenugreek?
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 Fenugreek 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 Fenugreek?
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.
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