Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Vindaloo

🔥 A rich, flavorful, spicy beef stew inspired by Indian and Portuguese fusion, slow-cooked to perfection and naturally thickened with a humble potato.

🧑‍🍳 Servings: 8

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍲 Cook Time: 6–8 hours on Low or 4–5 hours on High
📦 Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months

📝 Ingredients

Main

• 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 3 tbsp oil (vegetable, avocado oil, or ghee)
• 1½ large onions, finely chopped (or 2 medium)
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• 1½ tbsp brown sugar (or jaggery if you have it)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1¼ cups beef broth (or water for a lighter sauce)

Spices

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2½ tsp ground cumin
• 2½ tsp ground coriander
• 1½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¾ tsp ground cloves
• ¾ tsp ground cardamom
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

• 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed (for thickening and balance)
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Plain yogurt or coconut cream (for serving)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

Set your slow cooker to sauté mode. Heat oil and cook the onions for 6–8 minutes until golden and soft. Add garlic and ginger, cooking 1 more minute until fragrant.

2. Bloom the Spices

Add all the spices and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes while stirring. The mixture should smell amazing.

3. Deglaze & Coat the Beef

Add vinegar and brown sugar. Stir to deglaze the pot, then toss in the beef chunks. Mix well to coat. Let them sear for a few minutes if you have time.

4. Add Broth & Slow Cook

Pour in beef broth. Stir in the cubed potato and bay leaf, if using. Cover and cook:

• Low: 6–8 hours
• High: 4–5 hours Beef should be fall-apart tender and the sauce thickened.

5. Taste & Finish

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more cayenne for spice, or a splash of vinegar for extra tang.

6. Serve

Serve hot over basmati rice, naan, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream to cool things down.

🍽 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 460mg

Note: Nutrition varies depending on exact ingredients used and optional toppings.