Name: One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 lb. stewing beef, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup yellow curry powder; 1 tablespoon cumin powder; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground black pepper; 2-3 bay leaves; 2 (400 ml) cans coconut milk; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon fresh red chilli, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 46 reviews

If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, I have just the dish for you. The One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe is a wonderfully hearty meal that combines tender chunks of stewing beef with creamy coconut milk and fragrant spices, all cooked together in one pot for absolute ease and incredible depth of taste. This stew is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, and it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with two main layers: one side has fluffy white rice topped with a few sesame seeds and small red bits, while the other half holds a thick brown stew with large chunks of cooked meat, yellow potatoes, and bright orange carrots. The stew is garnished with green herbs and small diced red and green peppers. A silver spoon rests inside the rice side of the bowl, and a woman's hands are holding the bowl over a white marbled surface with a light cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe requires simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing its unique touch to the stew’s texture, flavor, and color. With this vibrant mix, you’ll create a stew that’s not only delicious but truly soul-warming.

Vegetable oil: Provides the perfect medium for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics without overpowering other flavors.
Stewing beef: Choose tender, marbled cuts to ensure melt-in-your-mouth meat after slow cooking.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened alongside garlic and ginger.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that wakes up your taste buds and complements the curry.
Fresh ginger: Gives a warming, slightly spicy note that brightens the stew.
Yellow curry powder: The curry’s heart, blending earthy, aromatic spices essential for that signature flavor.
Cumin powder: Adds a smoky warmth that balances the curry’s sweetness.
Soy sauce: Brings salty umami depth that enhances the beef and curry base.
Brown sugar: Offers a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and coconut milk.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and background complexity.
Bay leaves: Infuse the stew with subtle herbal notes that deepen the overall flavor.
Coconut milk: The creamy foundation giving the stew its luscious, velvety texture and tropical flair.
Potatoes: Soak up all the curry goodness while adding satisfying heartiness.
Carrots: Bring vibrant color and a gentle sweetness that complements the spices.
Fresh red chili (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and just the right amount of heat on top.
Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Gives a bright herbal finish that lifts every bite.
White sesame seeds (for garnish): Offer a nutty crunch and beautiful visual contrast.

How to Make One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build the Base

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot until it starts to shimmer. Carefully add your cubed beef and let it brown evenly over medium-high heat. This browning step is crucial because it locks in flavor and creates those delicious caramelized bits that make the stew so tasty. Be patient and stir occasionally to cook all sides to a beautiful golden brown.

Step 2: Aromatics and Spices

Next, toss in the sliced onions, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Sauté these fragrant ingredients with the beef for a couple of minutes until everything smells irresistible. Now it’s time to add the curry powder, cumin, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly to coat every morsel with spices. This step transforms your pot into a rich, warm base packed with layers of flavor.

Step 3: Adding Coconut Milk and Simmering

Pour in the creamy coconut milk and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the stew quietly simmer. About 25 minutes of gentle cooking allows the beef to tenderize beautifully, melding the meat with the coconut curry sauce. Don’t forget to stir now and then; it helps every part cook evenly and prevents sticking. You’ll know the beef is done when you can easily pierce it with a fork.

Step 4: Potatoes and Carrots for Heartiness

Once the beef is fork-tender, add in the cubed potatoes and carrots. Bring the stew back to a gentle simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent the veggies from sticking. These hearty vegetables soak up the curry flavors while adding great texture and natural sweetness. If the stew thickens too much, splash in a bit of water to loosen it to your liking. After about 15 minutes, the roots will be perfectly soft but not mushy.

Step 5: Rest and Flavor Development

Remove your pot from the heat and let the stew rest for 20 minutes. This resting period gives the flavors time to marry and intensify, making every spoonful even more delicious. The longer you let it sit, the richer and more harmonious the taste becomes—a perfect moment to prepare your garnishes and sides.

How to Serve One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing takes this stew from comforting to absolutely stunning. Sprinkle freshly chopped red chili over each bowl for a vibrant pop of color and a subtle kick. Finely chopped cilantro adds herbaceous brightness that cuts through the creamy richness. Finally, a dusting of white sesame seeds brings in delightful texture and a nutty finish that makes each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This stew is a meal all on its own but shines when served over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. If you want to add something extra, try a side of garlic naan or warm crusty bread to scoop up every last bit. A simple cucumber salad with a splash of lemon juice also refreshes the palate alongside the rich curry flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve your One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe in individual deep bowls with a small mound of coconut rice topped with toasted coconut flakes. Layer some fresh herb sprigs or edible flowers for a gorgeous presentation. You can also offer a side of lime wedges to squeeze over for a zesty contrast. Serving family-style in the pot itself adds warmth and a rustic charm that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this coconut curry beef stew keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, so the next-day taste is often even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back together.

Freezing

If you want to make this stew well ahead, it freezes wonderfully. Portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention. Coconut milk sometimes separates after freezing, so a quick stir during reheating restores that creamy consistency.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving is fine too, but cover the bowl loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between to keep the stew warm and creamy throughout.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While stewing beef is ideal for slow cooking and getting tender, you can also use chuck roast or brisket cut into chunks. Just make sure to adjust cooking times until the meat is tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Is this dish very spicy?

This One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe is mildly spiced but very flavorful. The yellow curry powder adds warmth without intense heat. If you love spice, feel free to increase the fresh chili garnish or add some chili flakes during cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

For a plant-based version, swap the beef for hearty vegetables like eggplant, chickpeas, or tofu. Use vegetable broth and keep the coconut milk for the creamy texture. Adjust cooking times as needed since vegetables soften faster than meat.

What can I substitute for coconut milk if I don’t have any?

Coconut milk is key for the creamy, tropical flavor, but if you need a substitute, use full-fat evaporated milk with a little coconut extract for aroma. Coconut cream diluted with water also works to maintain richness.

How do I know when the beef is properly cooked?

The best test is the fork test: if you can insert a fork easily into the beef cube with little resistance, it’s tender and ready. The slow simmering with coconut milk helps break down the meat fibers beautifully over time.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of this One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew Recipe. It’s a dish that promises to wrap you in cozy flavors, impress your family or guests, and give you a sense of accomplishment with minimal fuss. I truly hope you give this recipe a try because it’s not just a stew – it’s a celebration of rich, vibrant tastes that’ll become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy every luscious bite!

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