With just 10 minutes of prep, you can leave this one simmering away and let the smell fill the house. My recipe for Simple Beef Curry is easy, family-friendly, and genuinely melt-in-the-mouth by the time it hits the table.
You can never have too many curry recipes, right? This is a classic, fruity and slightly sweet beef curry that I’ve been making for years.
I use stewing beef and trim the fat myself, because you get bigger cuts and better value that way. The curry cooks low and slow for three and a half hours, so the tissue breaks down completely, giving you that melt-in-the-mouth texture when it’s time to serve.
I’m a big believer in getting kids into the kitchen to cook. It builds their confidence and gives them a real sense of achievement, and there’s always a small job they can help with. It’s not always possible on a busy day, but cooking together is a lovely way to get away from screens and spend some time bonding — even if it does get a bit messy.
Some of my daughter Lil’s favourite jobs are peeling the garlic, chopping mushrooms with a blunt knife, and flouring the beef (she’s very particular about making sure every inch is covered!). She always enjoys eating it that little bit more when she’s helped make it — like she’s earned it.
My Recipe for Simple Beef Curry
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 500g stewing beef, fat cut off
- 1 tbsp flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
- 2 large onions
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp medium curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 3 tbsp mango chutney
- 1 pint of beef stock made from one stock cube
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- Chopped coriander, to garnish (optional)
Method:
1. You will need a pan with a lid.
2. Toss the beef in the seasoned flour.
3. Heat some oil in a pan on a medium heat.
4. Add the floured beef to the pan. Once browned, remove and set to one side.
5. Fry the onions and garlic for two minutes, until lightly golden — you may need another splash of oil.
6. Sprinkle over the curry powder and turmeric, then cook for one minute.
7. Return the beef to the pan.
8. Add the mango chutney, beef stock and tomato puree, and bring to the boil.
9. Turn the heat right down, cover with the lid, and simmer for three and a half hours.
10. Serve with rice and flatbreads, and garnish with coriander if you like.
This recipe comes from Jolene Cox’s cookery book, One Yummy Mummy: Family Food Made Easy, published by Orpen Press.
A Few Common Questions
Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?
Yes — brown the beef and fry the onions, garlic and spices in a pan first as described, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for the same slow, tenderising effect.
Can I freeze leftovers?
This is exactly the kind of curry that freezes well once cooled, making it a handy one to batch-cook for busy weeknights.
What can I serve it with besides rice and flatbreads?
Naan bread, a simple side salad, or steamed vegetables all work nicely alongside this curry if you want to change things up.
Is this curry very spicy?
It’s made with medium curry powder and mango chutney, so it’s mild and fruity rather than hot — a good one for family meals with mixed spice tolerances.
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Will you be adding Simple Beef Curry to your family dinner rota? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Save This For Later
If tonight’s not curry night, save this one for later or browse our other family dinner ideas for more easy midweek meals.
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