One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew for Cozy Comfort Nights

November 10, 2025 by Jake

Hey there! Today I’m excited to share this One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew recipe with you. It’s a dish that has quickly become a favorite in our household. Not only is it loaded with comforting flavors, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. You see, as a busy mom, I often find myself juggling multiple tasks at once, and this dish saves me time without compromising taste. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal that means fewer dishes to wash?

This delicious stew can be served over rice for a filling meal that the whole family will enjoy. If you’re like me and always on the hunt for quick and hearty meals, you might also want to check out my savory old-fashioned beef stew for cozy nights in.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Minimal Cleanup:Since it’s a one-pot meal, you won’t have to worry about a sink full of dishes afterward.
Packed with Flavor:The combination of coconut milk and curry spices creates a rich and aromatic broth that infuses the beef and vegetables beautifully.
Family-Friendly:This dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Customizable:Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences.

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
¼ 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 chili, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon white sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-step instructions

How to Make Coconut Beef Stew

1. Brown the beef
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large cooking pot over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Once shimmering, add the cubed beef chunks. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring well until browned.

2. Sauté the aromatics
Add onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Mix in the curry powder, cumin, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes to combine.

3. Simmer with coconut milk
Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender.

4. Cook the vegetables
Add potatoes and carrots. Bring to a gentle simmer, uncovered, and cook for 15 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
If the sauce seems too thick, add ¼ cup of water.

5. Rest and serve
Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 20 minutes before serving.
Serve over steamed rice and garnish with fresh red chili, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Recipe tips & variations

Adjusting Spice Levels:If you prefer a milder stew, you can reduce the amount of curry powder or omit the red chili garnish. Alternatively, sprinkle in some chili flakes for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option:Substitute the beef with more hearty vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms or use chickpeas for added protein.
Flavor Twist:Add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of toasted coconut just before serving to bring a zesty twist to the stew.

Storage & reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce a bit.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs make a great substitute and will cook a bit faster than beef.

Q: Is it okay to use light coconut milk?
A: Yes, you can use light coconut milk if you prefer — the sauce will just be slightly thinner.

Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Definitely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Q: What sides go well with this stew?
A: In addition to rice, try serving it with warm naan or a simple green salad.

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Happy cooking, and I hope this cozy One Pot Coconut Curry Beef Stew brings warmth and joy to your dinner table!