This Crock Pot Japanese Beef Curry is a savory and comforting recipe, which includes beef stew meat and curry powder. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Crock Pot Japanese Beef Curry Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3–4 medium carrots, cut into rounds
- ¼ cup oil, divided
- 1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into cubes and blotted dry
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How To Make Crock Pot Japanese Beef Curry
- Layer the vegetables: Place potatoes in the slow cooker, then layer the carrots on top.
- Brown the beef: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet. Brown the beef in batches without overcrowding. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, heat another 1 tbsp of oil. Cook onion and garlic for 5 minutes until soft. Add salt and pepper and cook 2–3 minutes more. Transfer to the cooker.
- Deglaze the skillet: Pour beef broth into the skillet, bring to a boil, and scrape up any browned bits. Pour into the slow cooker, then add water. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
- Make curry roux: In a saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tbsp oil. Stir in the flour and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Add curry powder and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- Thicken the stew: Switch the slow cooker to HIGH. Mix ½ cup of the stew liquid with the curry roux until smooth. Slowly stir this into the slow cooker. Add the peas.
- Finish and serve: Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, until the sauce thickens and peas are heated through. Serve over white rice.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of curry powder should I use?
Japanese-style curry powder or a mild blend works best for an authentic flavor. - Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions. - How to prevent mushy vegetables:
Cut veggies into large chunks and avoid over-stirring once they’re soft. - Can I skip the browning step?
Browning adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it to save time. - Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Japanese Beef Curry
Serve this cozy stew over rice for a full meal, or pair it with:
- Steamed Japanese rice
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
- Pickled radish or kimchi
- Miso soup
- Japanese milk bread
How To Store Japanese Beef Curry
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Japanese Beef Curry Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 468
- Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 74.8mg
- Sodium: 758.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.3g
- Sugar: 7.9g
- Protein: 32.3g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What makes Japanese curry different?
Japanese curry is milder and sweeter than Indian or Thai curries and uses a roux for thickening.
Can I use store-bought curry roux blocks?
Yes, substitute homemade roux with 2–3 store-bought curry blocks if desired.
Why did my sauce not thicken?
Make sure the roux is cooked properly and add it gradually while the stew is on HIGH.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute beef with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
Is this spicy?
It’s usually mild, but you can adjust heat by using hot curry powder or adding chili flakes.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Japanese Beef Curry
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes7
hours30
minutes468
kcalA cozy and flavorful Japanese-style curry with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich curry roux made in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
3 medium potatoes, cubed
3–4 medium carrots, sliced
¼ cup oil, divided
1 lb. beef stew meat, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
3 tbsp flour
1 tbsp curry powder
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Cooked white rice
Directions
- Layer potatoes and carrots in the slow cooker.
- Brown beef in 1 tbsp oil and transfer to cooker.
- Sauté onion and garlic in 1 tbsp oil, then add salt and pepper. Transfer to cooker.
- Deglaze skillet with broth, pour into cooker, then add water. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours.
- In a saucepan, cook flour in 2 tbsp oil until browned. Stir in curry powder.
- Mix roux with ½ cup of stew liquid, stir into the slow cooker with peas.
- Cook on HIGH 20–30 minutes until thickened. Serve with rice.
