Thai Curry Ground Beef (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)

This simple ground beef with Thai curry is the ultimate comfort food on a cold night. It warms you up from the inside out with the spice from the curry and the creaminess of the coconut milk. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this easy Thai Ground Beef Curry will quickly become a favorite.

When I think of Thai curry, I usually reach for popular options like Thai Red Curry Chicken or Coconut Curry Shrimp. But last week I was majorly craving curry and all I had on hand was ground beef. 

I thought about curry meatballs but wanted something easier. So I whipped up this Thai curry ground beef inspired by the Indian dish keema, which is basically curried ground beef but with Indian curry (think garam masala and curry powder) instead of Thai curry paste. 

Although it isn't the most beautiful dish, it is so delicious. There is the perfect amount of spice from the red curry paste all balanced with fresh lime juice and coconut milk. Trust me, you want to make this next time you are craving Thai flavors. 

The other great thing about this meal is that it can be cooked in less than 30 minutes on the stovetop or you throw it in the slow cooker while you go about your day. Either way tastes amazing. 

Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here's everything you need to make this tasty Thai Curried Beef.

• Ground beef: Use any style of ground beef you like, usually I use 90-95% lean since it has less fat and doesn't need to be drained. Swap in ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork if you like. This dish also works in the slow cooker with beef roasts.
• Leeks, garlic, and ginger: These flavors amplify the flavors in the curry. Swap in onions or shallots for the leeks if you prefer a stronger onion flavor.
• Red curry paste: I love the richness of red curry paste with beef. Red curry paste tends to be a bit spicer than green curry paste since the base is dried red chiles. Green curry paste can also be used, which is a sweeter and more mild Thai curry paste made with cilantro, kaffir lime leaf, basil, and green chilies. You could also use yellow curry paste, which has a warmer flavor from turmeric.
• Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce adds some acid and sweetness to the dish. Swap in chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer, but the sauce will be thinner. You could also use extra coconut milk.
• Coconut milk: Coconut milk is an essential part of Thai curry. Use full-fat or lite canned coconut milk. If you want something extra rich and creamy, use coconut cream.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds salt to this dish. swap in tamari, or coconut aminos. Or simply season with kosher salt as needed.
• Fresh lime juice: This brightens up the dish! It makes everything pop and shouldn't be skipped.
• Fresh basil: Herbs also help brighten up the dish and complement the herbs in the curry paste. Cilantro, basil, or mint would all work in this dish.

Two Ways to Make Thai Curry Ground Beef

This dish can be made quickly on the stovetop or can cook all day in the slow cooker. The slow-cooked dish will have a bit of a deeper flavor, but both are delicious.

Both versions start the same. Heta up some oil in a skillet and add the leeks or onions. Cook them for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

Next, add the curry paste and cook for 1 minute. Cooking the curry paste helps develop the flavors in it and releases the oil into the dish.

Then add the ground beef, garlic, and ginger. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks for about 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink

• Stovetop: If you are making this on the stovetop, add the tomato sauce, soy sauce, and lime zest to the ground beef mixture.  Simmer covered over low heat for 10-15 minutes or longer. When you are ready to eat, open the pan and gently stir in the coconut milk. Cook for 1-2 minutes so the coconut milk is incorporated into the curried beef. Top with fresh lime juice and basil.
• Slow cooker: Add the ground beef and curry mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, and lime zest. Cook on low for at least 4 hours, it can cook for up to 8 hours. When ready to eat, open the slow cooker and stir in the coconut milk. Let cook for about 10-15 minutes in the slow cooker with the lid off. It will thicken slightly. Finish with lime juice and basil.

Side Dish Ideas

There are lots of ways to serve up this ground beef. Most often I just pair it with some steamed rice and veggies. Here are some more ideas:

• Grains: Most Thai dishes are served with steamed Thai jasmine rice, but this also works with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Vegetables: The perfect way to finish up this dish is with some veggies. Favorites include this roasted cabbage, stir-fried vegetables, or roasted broccoli.
• Lettuce wraps: Lighten things up and serve this wrapped in butter lettuce or Romaine lettuce leaves. Additionally, it's delicious over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. 

Storage and Leftovers

This dish keeps really well in the fridge and may even taste even better the next day. 

• Fridge: Let the curried beef cool completely and then store in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: This ground beef also freezes well. Let it cool completely and then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a skillet.