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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker

    Easy Slow Cooker Beef Curry Recipe (No Browning)

    Published: Mar 9, 2023 · Modified: Mar 17, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Slow cooker beef curry pin image.

    An easy slow cooker beef curry recipe featuring tender chunks of diced beef in an aromatic and rich curry sauce. With no browning required and only 5 minutes of prep time, it's a true "dump and go" recipe!

    The medium-spiced curry is full of fragrant flavours, making it the perfect addition to your next curry night. Best served with homemade pilau rice and fluffy naan bread.

    Slow cooker beef curry in a black slow cooker.

    If you're a fan of spicy curries, you'll love this crockpot beef curry. While it packs some heat, you can easily tone it down by serving it with a dollop of plain yogurt. This makes it perfect for the whole family, even the kids.

    What's even better is that this recipe requires minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you focus on other things.

    👩‍🍳 Love slow cooker curries? Try my easy slow cooker chicken curry too!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🥄 Equipment
    • 🔪 How to make beef curry in slow cooker
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋 More slow cooker recipes
    • 😋 More curry recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    • Slow cooker beef curry requires minimal preparation time, as all you have to do is chop the ingredients, throw them in the slow cooker, and let it do the cooking. It's perfect for busy weekdays when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
    • The slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and absorb all the aromatic spices.
    • Making the curry in your slow cooker is an affordable way to feed your family or a group of friends. You can use cheaper cuts of beef, and bulk it out with vegetables too.
    • It can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
    • Slow cooker beef curry is a versatile dish that can be customised to your liking. You can also adjust the spice level to your own preference.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    Ingredients to make spicy slow cooker beef curry.

    Diced Beef: Diced braising or stewing steak is the best option for slow cooking as it has a good amount of fat and connective tissue that will break down during the long cooking process, resulting in tender meat.

    Onion, garlic, and fresh ginger: These ingredients add depth and flavour to the curry. Finely chopping them will help them blend into the sauce better. A mini chopper or food processor is great for this!

    Chopped Tomatoes or Passata: Tomatoes are a crucial ingredient in the curry sauce, providing acidity and sweetness. Chopped tomatoes will add some texture to the sauce, while passata will create a smoother consistency. I find that kids prefer smoother sauces.

    Tomato Puree: Tomato puree (tomato paste) adds even more depth of flavour to the curry sauce.

    Mango Chutney: This adds a touch of sweetness to the curry and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. If you don't have mango chutney, you can substitute it with apricot jam or honey.

    Spices: The spices used in the curry, such as medium curry powder, ground cumin, chilli, garam masala, cardamom pods, and paprika, create a complex and aromatic flavour profile. Adjust the spices according to your preference and spice tolerance. You could also add a cinnamon stick for a more warming flavour.

    Salt, Pepper, and Sugar: For seasoning and to balance the flavours.

    Fresh Coriander: This is an optional garnish that adds a pop of colour and freshness to the finished dish.

    Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and substitutions to make it your own.

    🥄 Equipment

    Which slow cooker? I use a Morphy Richards Sear and Stew 6.5 litre slow cooker, which means I can brown and slow cook in the same pot as the slow cooker pot is safe to use on the hob! The 6.5 litre capacity serves 6-8 main portions, so it’s ideal for families and those that like batch cooking. There is also a 3.5 litre version for smaller households

    A mini chopper also comes in handy for speedy chopping of vegetables like onion and garlic! It’s also a great way of hiding vegetables for fussy kids.

    🔪 How to make beef curry in slow cooker

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger and put them in the bottom of the slow cooker basin.

    Two: Place the diced beef on top.

    Three: Mix together the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, mango chutney, spices, salt, pepper, and sugar in a jug.

    Making a beef curry in slow cooker step by step instruction photos.

    Four: Pour the curry sauce into the slow cooker and give everything a good mix.

    Five: Cook on high for 3.5 hours and then a further 30 minutes without the lid on to thicken up the sauce (or cook for 8 hours on a low setting).

    Slow cooker beef curry with coriander.

    💭 Expert tips

    • While the recipe calls for no browning, taking the extra step to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will add depth of flavour to the final dish due to the maillard reaction. So, if you have time, brown the meat first (I never have time, so I generally don't).
    • To thicken the sauce leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also use thickening granules or a cornflour slurry.
    • To create a creamier and richer sauce, add 200g of coconut cream in addition to the chopped tomatoes/passata.
    • If you're unsure about the spice level, start with a smaller amount of spices and taste as you go. You can always add more later on.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Serve this easy slow cooked beef curry with pilau rice or turmeric rice, naan bread, mango chutney, raita, and pickles.

    You could also make a milder creamier curry to serve alongside it (this mild chicken curry is very child-friendly).

    Slow cooker beef curry in a crock pot

    📖 Variations

    • Make a vegetarian version of the curry by omitting the beef and replacing it with vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potato, or butternut squash. You can also add some chickpeas or lentils for protein.
    • Use madras curry powder and extra chilli powder if you like your food spicy. For a creamier korma-style sauce, stir in some coconut milk or double cream towards the end of cooking. You can also use cashew cream instead of dairy cream for a vegan version.
    • Give your curry a Thai twist by using Thai red or green curry paste instead of the traditional Indian spices. You can also add ingredients like lemongrass, coconut milk, lime juice, and fish sauce for extra flavour. Massaman beef curry is a delicious option too.
    • Try making the beef curry in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker instead of a crockpot.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - The beef curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

    Reheat - Reheat in the microwave until piping hot. Alternatively, put the curry in a saucepan and reheat it on the hob.

    Freeze - Allow to cool then place the curry in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge.

    Slow cooker beef curry garnished with coriander.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?

    No you don't need to (but you can if you have time). Browning the beef before slow cooking adds a little more flavour but I don't usually bother due to time constraints.

    Can I use curry paste instead of curry powder?

    Yes, you can swap the curry powder for curry paste. Use 200g of curry paste instead of the specified 4 tablespoons of curry powder.

    What to serve with beef curry?

    Pilau rice, plain basmati rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, naan bread, chapatis, flatbreads, poppadoms, mango chutney, red onion, raita, and lime pickle all go nicely with beef curry.

    How long do I cook slow cooker beef curry for?

    4 hours on high or 7.5 - 8 hours on low.

    Can I make this curry on the hob instead of a slow cooker?

    This recipe has been designed specifically for a slow cooker and has not been tested on the hob.

    😋 More slow cooker recipes

    • Slow Cooker Pork Chops
    • Slow Cooker Pork & Apple Casserole
    • Slow Cooker Roast Beef
    • Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
    • Slow Cooker Hunters Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
    • Slow Cooker Diet Coke Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl
    • Slow Cooker Pork Ragu

    Check my slow cooker recipes page often, as I add new content regularly.

    😋 More curry recipes

    • Peanut butter chicken satay curry in a red pan with coriander.
      Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Curry Recipe
    • Thai green beef curry in a wok.
      Easy Thai Green Beef Curry Recipe
    • Air fryer chicken katsu with a homemade katsu curry sauce drizzled on top.
      Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe
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      Easy Leftover Chicken Curry Recipe

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    Recipe

    Slow cooker beef curry in a slow cooker.
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    5 from 12 votes

    Easy Slow Cooker Beef Curry (No Browning)

    Looking for a stress-free, no-fuss dinner idea? Try this easy slow cooker beef curry recipe featuring tender chunks of diced beef in an aromatic and rich curry sauce. With no browning required and only 5 minutes of prep time, it's a true "dump and go" recipe!
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine British, Indian
    Keyword crockpot beef curry, slow cooker beef curry, spicy slow cooker beef curry
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 4 hours hours
    Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 750kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Measuring Jug
    • Chopping Board
    • Mini Chopper
    • Slow Cooker

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 2 Onions peeled and finely chopped
    • 4 Garlic Cloves peeled and finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger peeled and grated
    • 1 kg Diced Beef braising steak
    • 400 g Tin of Chopped Tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoon Tomato Puree
    • 4 tablespoon Mango Chutney
    • 4 tablespoon Medium Curry Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
    • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
    • 1 teaspoon Paprika
    • 3 Cardamom Pods bruised with the back of a knife
    • ½ teaspoon Chilli Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon Pepper

    Instructions

    • Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger and put them in the bottom of the slow cooker basin.
      2 Onions, 4 Garlic Cloves, 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger
    • Place the diced beef on top.
      1 kg Diced Beef
    • Mix together the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, mango chutney, spices, salt, pepper, and sugar in a jug.
      400 g Tin of Chopped Tomatoes, 2 tablespoon Tomato Puree, 4 tablespoon Mango Chutney, 4 tablespoon Medium Curry Powder, 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin, 1 teaspoon Garam Masala, 1 teaspoon Paprika, 3 Cardamom Pods, ½ teaspoon Chilli Powder, ½ teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Sugar, ¼ teaspoon Pepper
    • Pour the curry sauce into the slow cooker and give everything a good mix.
    • Cook on high for 3.5 -4 hours and then a further 30 minutes without the lid on to thicken up the sauce (or cook for 8 hours on a low setting).

    Notes

    Expert Tips:
    • Brown the beef: While the recipe calls for no browning, taking the extra step to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will add depth of flavour and create a better texture to the final dish due to the maillard reaction. So, if you have time, brown the meat first (I never have time, so I generally don't).
    • Thicken the sauce: To thicken the sauce leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also use thickening granules or a cornflour slurry at the end of cooking.
    • Add coconut cream: To create a creamier and richer sauce, add 200g of coconut cream in addition to the chopped tomatoes/passata.
    • Adjust the spice level: If you're unsure about the spice level, start with a smaller amount of spices and taste as you go. You can always add more later on.
     
    Variations:
    • Vegetarian: Make a vegetarian version of the curry by omitting the beef and replacing it with vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potato, or butternut squash. You can also add some chickpeas or lentils for protein.
    • Heat: Use madras curry powder and extra chilli powder if you like your food spicy. For a creamier korma-style sauce, stir in some coconut milk or double cream towards the end of cooking. You can also use cashew cream instead of dairy cream for a vegan version.
    • Thai-style: Give your curry a Thai twist by using Thai red or green curry paste instead of the traditional Indian spices. You can also add ingredients like lemongrass, coconut milk, lime juice, and fish sauce for extra flavour. Massaman beef curry is delicious too.
    • Instant Pot: Try making the beef curry in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker instead of a crockpot.
     
    Storage:
    Store - The cooked beef curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
    Reheat - Reheat in the microwave until piping hot. Alternatively, put the curry in a saucepan and reheat on the hob.
    Freeze - Allow to cool then place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Slow Cooker Beef Curry (No Browning)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    750
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    51
    g
    78
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    19
    g
    119
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    3
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    22
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    178
    mg
    59
    %
    Sodium
     
    618
    mg
    27
    %
    Potassium
     
    1043
    mg
    30
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    27
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    15
    g
    17
    %
    Protein
     
    45
    g
    90
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    279
    IU
    6
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    19
    mg
    23
    %
    Calcium
     
    112
    mg
    11
    %
    Iron
     
    7
    mg
    39
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dana Sandonato

      February 18, 2022 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a cozy recipe and such a nice way to enjoy beef in a new way—a way that isn't the same ol' stew!

      Reply
    2. Toni

      February 18, 2022 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      I love how flavorful this is!! Can't wait to make it again!

      Reply
    3. Beth

      February 18, 2022 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love all the rich, earthy flavors in this one. I REALLY love that I don't have to brown anything.

      Reply
    4. Soniya

      February 18, 2022 at 11:29 pm

      Looks and sounds so delicious! Love one pot meals especially slow cooker.. can't wait to make it

      Reply
    5. Michele

      February 19, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much! My family loved this recipe, and I loved how easy it was to make. We will be making this again and again.

      Reply
    6. Joanne Buchanan

      November 06, 2022 at 8:24 am

      5 stars
      This is such an excellent recipe. I make up 3 times the spice quantity which works out to be about 4 tablespoons of spice blend per cooking. The end flavor is so lovely and hearty, thank you from a cook based in New Zealand

      Reply
      • Beth Sachs

        November 06, 2022 at 9:02 am

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
      • Sarah

        March 28, 2023 at 10:24 pm

        5 stars
        This tastes amazing! Can't wait for dinner tomorrow. I cut the curry powder in half to make it child friendly and it worked perfectly!

        Reply
    7. Emma

      November 08, 2022 at 11:02 am

      This is currently in my slow cooker!
      As some one said above, it’s different to the same old stew!
      Can’t wait to have it tonight.

      Reply
      • Beth Sachs

        November 08, 2022 at 11:26 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply

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    Beth Sachs Food Blogger

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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