Name: Slow Cooker Beef Madras Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 large onion, roughly chopped; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste; 1 small cinnamon stick; 4 cardamom pods; 3 dried red chilies; 1 large tomato, diced; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder (mild heat); 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 tablespoon tomato paste mixed with ½ cup water; 1 tablespoon tamarind sauce; 1 ½ cups mild curry sauce (homemade or store-bought); ½ cup plain yogurt; 1 ½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces.

This Slow Cooker Beef Madras is a flavorful and aromatic Indian curry that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Tender chunks of beef simmer in a rich and fragrant sauce with a blend of spices, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Aromatic: This curry is packed with the warm and complex flavors of Indian spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, garam masala, and turmeric.
Easy to Make: With the help of a slow cooker, this dish is incredibly convenient to prepare. Simply toss the ingredients in and let it simmer to perfection.
Tender and Delicious: The slow cooking process ensures that the beef is incredibly tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Madras:

Onion: Roughly chopped, for flavor and texture.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Garlic and ginger paste: Adds a pungent and aromatic base to the curry.
Cinnamon stick and cardamom pods: Adds warm and fragrant spices.
Dried red chilies: Adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Tomato: Diced, adds sweetness and acidity.
Garam masala: A blend of ground spices that adds a complex and warm flavor.
Kashmiri chili powder: Adds a mild heat and vibrant color.
Ground turmeric: Adds an earthy flavor and a golden hue.
Tomato paste: Mixed with water, adds a concentrated tomato flavor and richness to the sauce.
Tamarind sauce: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Mild curry sauce: Homemade or store-bought, adds a base flavor and helps to create a creamy texture.
Plain yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess to the sauce.
Beef chuck: Cut into 1-inch pieces, this cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking and becomes tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Madras

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients—beef chuck, chopped onion, garlic and ginger paste, butter, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, dried red chilies, diced tomato, garam masala, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, tomato paste mixed with water, tamarind sauce, mild curry sauce, and plain yogurt—to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Stir the ingredients gently to combine, then cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.

Step 3: Serve

Once the beef is cooked, remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Give the curry a final stir and serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the beef (optional): If you have time, searing the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker will enhance the depth of flavor.
Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the number of dried red chilies to suit your heat preference.
Tamarind substitute: If you don’t have tamarind sauce, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of lemon juice mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar for a similar tangy sweetness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Madras

With Rice: Serve the Beef Madras with a side of fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the curry and enjoying all the flavors.
With Other Sides: You can also serve it with other Indian breads, such as roti or chapati, or with a side of vegetables, such as Saag Paneer or Aloo Gobi.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can experiment with other cuts of beef that are suitable for stewing.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this curry in a pot on the stovetop. Simmer it over low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Can I add other vegetables to this curry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced potatoes, carrots, or peas.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the beef with chickpeas, lentils, or paneer cheese, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Madras that’s perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal. Enjoy!