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    BLANK » Recipe Index » Caribbean Dishes

    Jamaican beef curry

    Last Updated January 3, 2023. Published November 26, 2018 By Charla 14 Comments

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    Jamaican beef curry recipe - a delicious one pot melt-in-your-mouth Caribbean stew (Curry Beef) made using a slow cooker served with sweet potatoes

    Jamaican beef curry

    Jamaican curry beef

    If you're looking for a recipe that's hearty, tasty and incredibly filling all in one serving then this Jamaican beef curry is the one for you.

    It is very simple to make, no fuss, not much prep and clean up because I made the recipe using a slow cooker.

    All you will need is plenty of simmering time to await the results - melt in your mouth meat!!

    **FOR THE SAKE OF GOOGLE SEARCH AND SEO TERMS THE TITLE IS "BEEF CURRY" NOT "CURRY BEEF"as the Jamaican linguistics would call it. I just wanted to clarify the reasons for that specific wording. It's not because I don't know what my own cultural cuisines are called**

    Dutch pot vs slower cooker

    I grew up on Jamaican beef curry (aka curry beef) in fact it was a staple in our household.

    Jamaicans like most Caribbean islands are partial to some stew beef, mutton, goat meat and even curry shrimp.

    We have our own traditional way of cooking meat which tends to be in a dutch pot (aka dutch oven or dutchie) using Caribbean infused curry powder (not the same flavour as Indian curry).

    Search the cupboards of an Island person and you'll will find a dutchie or two waiting to be used. I don't think a week goes by without having it on rotation.

    While the preferred choice of saucepan to make Jamaican beef curry would be a dutch pot. I wanted to change the status quo by preparing my curry using my slow cooker.

    I've made this recipe using my slow cooker a number of times now and I must admit I do prefer the results that a slow cooker yields.

    That isn't to say a dutch oven can't do the trick but the key is in the length of cooking time (think 4hrs at least).

    Trust me, it really makes a helluva difference to the tenderness of the beef and not to mention the aromatic flavour.

    Jamaican curry beef

    Benefits of using a slow cooker

    I honestly don't know where I would be without my slow cooker. It's makes some great tasting stews and casseroles. Don't be deterred because this isn't the traditional way of making a Caribbean dish, sometimes it's a good idea to diversify and try new things.

    A slow cooker.........

    • Eliminates the temptation of buying an unhealthy takeaway, instead opting for tasty nutritional comfort food.
    • Only requires one or two steps - browning the meat and then cooking in the slow cooker.
    • Great to make some winter comfort food but can use throughout the year.
    • Low wattage making it cost effective compared to using an oven.
    • Long low temperature cooking helps to tenderise the meat, even the cheapest cuts of meat taste like premium produce.
    • Brings out the true depth in flavour.
    • Can leave the slow cooker on while you carry out chores or even go to work or run errands returning to a warm home cooked meal.

    Jamaican curry beef

    How to cook Jamaican curry beef in a slow cooker

    Seasoning the meat - the first thing you need to do is season the meat. I do this overnight, so the raw ingredients are given enough time to penetrate the meat. If you want to add some additional seasoning then add some of my Beef Seasoning

    Browning the meat - Even though the slow cooker will be doing the bulk of the work, searing the meat is recommended to seal in the flavour before it is left to cook for several hours.

    Transferring the meat to the slow cooker - I add the meat to the crock pot then add my potatoes which I like to cut in a combination of  quarters and a few halves. Some people add them towards the later stage of cooking put I add them at the beginning. I simply make sure they rest towards the top so they cook in the liquid but don't break up in the stew.

    The liquid - Unlike stove top saucepans/skillets, slow cooker trap in the moisture where there is no way for the liquid to evaporate. It is very important to ensure the correct amount of liquid is added to create your stew. I used 2 cups of water. While the beef is browning it should yield it's own liquid which results in roughly a cups worth.

    The slurry - Slow cookers retain their moisture which means the stews require thickening.  Remedy this by adding a slurry (a thickening agent containing starch mixed with water) 30 minutes towards the end of cooking.

    Jamaican curry beef

    Is this curry beef dish suitable for a stove top?

    Yes, you can follow the instructions but instead of using a slow cooker, use a casserole dish or dutch pot. Reduce the simmering time to 1 hr and 30 minutes instead. Do check the liquid levels and replenish by ½ cup if required.

    No slurry is required for the stove top version

    Can I eat this with something that's low carb instead?

    Yes, if you are watching your calories, you are more than welcome to serve the curry with vegetables (spinach, kale, callaloo or leafy greens) in place of potatoes.

    Notes and tips

    • Suitable for home freezing for up to 3 months.
    • As per Caribbean tradition the meat is always washed prior to being seasoned.
    • Adding the sweet potatoes towards the beginning of starting slow cooking will yield super soft potatoes. You can alternatively, cut them up smaller and add 45-30 minutes before the finishing time.
    • If you cannot get white fleshed sweet potatoes (Caribbean ones) use orange ones instead.
    • When adding water, always use warm/hot water to keep temperature levels consistent.
    • For best results use my Caribbean style curry as linked in post.
    • To keep this low carb omit the potatoes and pair with vegetables.
    • Always do a taste test before and adjust seasoning/salt levels prior to serving.

    How to make Jamaican curry beef using a slow cooker (in pictures)

    Add the beef and contents to a pan and begin to sear the meat

    Add the sweet potato pieces/wedges to the slow cooker along with the meat and sprigs of thyme

    Finally add the tomato puree and coconut cream before placing the lid on

    Side dishes to pair this with

    • Brown Rice
    • Coconut Rice
    • Cauliflower Rice

    Other slow cooker Caribbean recipes

    • Caribbean Potato Curry
    • Jamaican Coconut Curry Chicken
    • Jamaican Curry Goat
    • Trinidad Slow Chicken
    • Jamaican Oxtail Stew and Butter Beans
    • Slow Cooker Cuban Black Beans
    • Curried Butter Beans

    **Don't forget to comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Let's be friends and engage on Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**

    Jamaican curry beef

    Jamaican beef curry

    Learn how to make a tasty Jamaican curry beef dish in a slow cooker - paleo, gluten free
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Entree
    Cuisine: Jamaican
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 581kcal
    Author: Charla

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 lb diced beef (700g) stewing steak, washed and drained
    • 3 scallion sliced
    • 1 medium onion chopped
    • 2 tablespoon of curry + 1 tsp see post for recipe
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 inch of ginger grated
    • 1 green bell pepper chopped
    • 1 red bell pepper chopped
    • 1 tablespoon of tomato puree
    • 1 tablespoon of coconut cream coconut manna
    • 6 sprigs of fresh thyme
    • 2 cups of warm water
    • 1 teaspoon of himalayan pink salt
    • 1 large sweet potato cut into wedges and halves
    • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
    • additional pink salt and black pepper if needed

    To make the slurry

    • 2 tablespoon of tapioca stach
    • 2 tablespoon of cold water

    Instructions

    • Add the beef pieces to a large bowl then add the 2 tablespoon of curry followed by the black pepper, garlic, scallion, onions, bell peppers, ginger and pink salt.
    • Use your hands to work all of the ingredients into the beef until it is coated with the curry.
    • Set aside and refrigerate overnight
    • On medium heat, melt the coconut oil and sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of curry powder then cook the curry for about one minute.
    • Then toss the bowl of beef with the rest of the contents into the pan/skillet and proceed to brown the meat
    • This should take up to 10 minutes, stirring so each side is evenly browned. The beef should form it's own juices during this time.
    • Once seared add the browned beef to your slow cooker.
    • Add the potato pieces and sprigs on thyme in the crock pot on top of the meat ready to be covered by the water
    • Finally pour in the 2 cups of warm water and stir in the coconut cream and tomato puree.
    • Adjust the setting to high and timer for 4 hours.
    • 30 minutes before serving, prepare your slurry to thicken the sauce by mixing the tapioca starch with the cold water into a smooth albeit runny paste.
    • Add the slurry to the crock pot, carefully mixing so that it is evenly distributed.
    • Do a taste test and adjust seasoning if required.
    • Serve accordingly

    Notes

    • Suitable for home freezing for up to 3 months
    • Adding the sweet potatoes towards the beginning of starting slow cooking will yield super soft potatoes. You can alternatively, cut them up smaller and add 1 hour - 45 minutes before the finishing time.
    • As per Caribbean tradition the meat is always washed prior to being seasoned.
    • If you cannot get white fleshed sweet potatoes (Caribbean ones) use orange ones instead.
    • When adding water, always use warm/hot water to keep temperature levels consistent.
    • For best results use my Caribbean style curry as linked in post.
    • To keep this low carb omit the potatoes and pair with vegetables.
    • Always do a taste test before and adjust seasoning/salt levels prior to serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 581kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 733mg | Potassium: 831mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6670IU | Vitamin C: 84mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @ThatGirlCooksHealthy or tag #ThatGirlCooksHealthy!
    « Hominy Corn Porridge (Vegan)
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    About Charla

    I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kate

      October 21, 2022 at 7:15 am

      5 stars
      I made this for myself last night, it was so good!! I only got chance to marinade for a couple of hours before, so I know next time it will be even better. Also could only use ground spices for the curry mix but it was still so so good!
      Going to make it for a big family dinner next week.
      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • Charla

        October 21, 2022 at 10:10 am

        Hi Kate, thank you for the positive feedback. I'm so glad to hear that the recipe worked out for you and good luck with making it for your family dinner. I know you will nail this recipe and they too will love it.

        Reply
    2. Leann Cummings

      June 23, 2022 at 7:53 am

      5 stars
      Yummy

      Reply
      • Charla

        June 23, 2022 at 8:15 am

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    3. Bevie

      July 16, 2020 at 1:58 am

      5 stars
      Ive been making West Indian foods for years i have a lot of friends that taught me 🙂 this is different and we abserlutley love it thanks for sharing ... i will certainly be making more of your recipes ..again thank you Charla

      Reply
      • Charla

        July 16, 2020 at 1:28 pm

        Hi Bevie. That's great to hear and thank you for your feedback!!

        Reply
      • Carolina

        February 04, 2021 at 12:42 am

        I would like to make the Jamaican beef Curry but I absolutely cannot find the recipe for the curry I tried clicking wherever I seen it in Black but nothing would pop up.tonight I made the Jamaican beef stew and it was amazing.

        Reply
        • Charla

          February 04, 2021 at 4:02 pm

          Hi Carolina, I can see the link active on my end but in any case here is the direct link to the Jamaican Curry Power https://thatgirlcookshealthy.com/jamaican-curry-powder/ I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the stew recipe.

          Reply
      • Cleopatra

        May 08, 2022 at 2:17 am

        Hii, can beef be subsistuted for the goat in this recipe? And if so, what cut of beef would you recommend? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Charla

          May 08, 2022 at 9:27 pm

          Hi Cleopatra, yes! Goat will work just fine. I would recommend using the leg or shoulder as they are leaner parts of the goat.

          Reply
    4. sophie ross

      August 25, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      Made this dish for me and my hubby and it was bum!!!! thank you your recipes are very easy to follow
      Peace and love sis

      Reply
      • Charla

        August 25, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        Hi Sophie. I'm so glad you and your husband enjoyed the recipe.

        Reply
    5. Brittany | HeyFlavor

      December 06, 2018 at 2:07 am

      I came across this recipe looking for a Jamaican dish to make any it looks absolutely delicious! I can't wait to make it!

      Reply
      • Charla

        December 06, 2018 at 8:13 pm

        I hope you like it Brittany

        Reply

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    I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes. Learn more about me

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