Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (2024)

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A Creamy Coconut Beef Meatball Curry - delicious tender meatballs with hidden veg in an amazing coconut sweet potato sauce.

Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (1)

You know those days you have a pack of ground beef (beef mince) in the fridge and are not sure what to make? Bored of the usual chilli, spaghetti bolognese or cottage pie etc.

Well, it was one of those days. I had taken some mince out of the freezer with the intention of making chilli, but when it came to it, I didn't actually fancy chilli at all, so raided my pantry and fridge looking for inspiration for what I could add to it for a meal for dinner.

That was when the tin of coconut milk caught my eye and grabbing a sweet potato, I figured a delicious Creamy Coconut Beef Meatball Curry would be perfect.

Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (2)

But You may be wondering, but what has a sweet potato got to do with a Coconut Beef Meatballs Curry?

Aha well, that's a clever ingredient I use for adding a lovely subtle sweetness to my curry along with the creamy coconut milk. It really helps to thicken the sauce and add a lovely silky feel. Like in this Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato Curry, which is one of our favourite curries.

However, this curry may now go to the top of our list for favourite curries of all time.

For the sweet potato mash used in this recipe, you can either cook a whole sweet potato in the microwave or you can steam in a saucepan and mash and then weigh the desired amount, Either is perfectly fine.

Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (3)

This is a great recipe for the whole family too. Adding some finely grated zucchini (courgette) into the meatball mix, really helped to keep those meatballs so lovely and tender and juicy and the kids didn't even realise it was in there. Bonus!!

Want some other delicious curry recipes to try? Check out these:

  • Beef and Potato Curry
  • Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry
  • Chicken and Vegetable Curry
  • Bombay Beef Curry
  • Chicken and Spinach Curry
  • Chicken, Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry
  • Mild Chicken Curry
  • Quick Lentil Curry
  • Keema Curry
  • Lamb Bean and Meatball Curry
  • Tarka Dhal
  • Beef Dhansak
  • Lamb Rogan Josh

or head on over to my Full Recipe Index with over 850 delicious Slimming and Weight Watchers recipes all fully searchable by meal type, ingredients, value and smart points etc.

Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (4)

How can I add a ⅓ vegetables to this Coconut Beef Meatball Curry?

Firstly let's cover the speed foods this delicious Coconut Beef Meatball Curry contains. There is grated zucchini hidden in the meatballs and then I also added in some chopped green beans for additional vegetables in the curry. Which packs this yummy recipe with lots of healthy vegetables.

You could take the vegetables even further and serve this with my amazing Roasted Cauliflower Rice instead of regular rice.

Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (5)

Kitchen Items I use for this Coconut Beef Meatball Curry:

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Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (6)

Coconut Beef Meatball Curry

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

A Creamy Coconut Beef Meatball Curry - delicious tender meatballs with hidden veg in an amazing coconut sweet potato sauce.

Ingredients

For the meatballs

  • 500g of extra lean ground beef (beef mince)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove of garlic, crushed
  • ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
  • 200g zucchini, grated
  • 1 egg
  • Handful of coriander, finely chopped

For the curry sauce:

  • 200g of sweet potato mash
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 tbs medium curry powder
  • 1.5 tbs of tomato paste
  • 1 cup frozen chopped green beans
  • 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk (full fat - canned)
  • 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes (optional for additional heat)
  • fresh coriander, chopped to garnish

Instructions

  1. Add the ingredients for the meatballs to a large bowl and form into approx 20 meatballs and set aside.
  2. Add the sweet potato mash, curry powder, beef stock, red chilli flakes, and tomato paste to a deep frying pan over a medium heat and stir until it's all combine and becomes a smooth sauce.
  3. Drop the meatballs into the sauce (you don't need to brown them first), cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk and green beans and continue to simmer without the lid for 5 minutes. If you prefer a more saucy curry, you can also add in a little more stock at this point.
  5. Serve, garnish with coriander (optional) and enjoy!!

Notes

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  • Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
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Nutrition Information

Yield 4Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 333Total Fat 14.6gSaturated Fat 8.2gCholesterol 119mgSodium 396mgCarbohydrates 18.8gFiber 3.2gSugar 9.3gProtein 32.8g

Nutritional information is an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dominique says

    Made this for the family they loved it and they didn’t even realise it had veg in it!

    Reply

  2. Wendy says

    Absolutely amazing. I do a lot of curries and this is now my favourite, also my hubby commented on how delicious this was. Win win.

    Reply

  3. norma says

    Could this be made with low fat coconut milk

    Reply

    • Shevy (Slimming Eats) says

      it's best with regular coconut milk for that pure creaminess, but you can sub for light if you prefer, just be aware that the taste and appearance my differ slightly.

      Reply

  4. Bev says

    Made this last night, all loved it. However having one who can’t eat too spicy and me who can I had to twist a little. I also added kale, carrots and small florets of cauliflower along with the green beans. Was delicious.

    Reply

  5. Jayne partlow says

    Really tasty dish, I added extra chilli as I liked it hot. Added spinach aswell. Hit all the way.

    Reply

  6. Nonie says

    Made this for the whole family (inc. 7 and 12 old boys) and they loved it. Said the meatballs were juicy, they didn't notice the hidden veg in them and said that I could make it again!! win win 🙂

    Reply

    • Shevy (Slimming Eats) says

      ahhh how lovely is that, so glad you all enjoyed it.

      Reply

  7. Wendy Bedford says

    Absolutely amazingballs lol family of 5 just loved them and deffinate do again. The hidden veg went down a treat and so tasty .thank you so much for sharing your recipes and top tips .

    Reply

  8. Tim says

    Followed the recipe exactly and mines really watery. Not reduced like the photo looks 🙁

    Reply

    • Shevy (Slimming Eats) says

      Make sure all measurements of ingredients are correct, as the ratio needs to be precise, to ensure you get the same result. Did you have the correct measurement for 1 cup which is 240ml? Also, ensure you are using full fat coconut milk from a can, not light or cartoned and tomato paste (puree) not other types of tomatoes. Make sure your sweet potato mash is not too wet, as that could affect the sauce too. It could be that the heat was too low for the 15 mins of simmering. You don't want it boiling, but you still want it to slight bubble (simmer) to reduce down into a lovely sauce.

      Reply

  9. R adams says

    Hi can this be done in a pressure cooker?

    Reply

    • Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says

      unfortunately, I haven't tested this one in a pressure cooker, do let me know if you give it a try 🙂

      Reply

  10. Sue says

    Made this tonight, it was lovely! Although my meatballs did break up a little, I think next time I would squeeze the water out of the courgette to see if they would maybe keep their shape a little better. I added 4 cloves of garlic too ( we love our garlic!)

    Reply

  11. Bernadette says

    I made this curry for me and hubby we loved it served with cauliflower rice .

    Reply

  12. Niki T says

    Fabulous. Hubby doesn't like sweet potatoes. Hubby doesn't like courgettes. He loves this though and didn't have a clue that they were even in there. Had to make a couple of tweaks as I didn't have frozen green beans but I had some mangetout that needed using up. Also used powdered coconut milk as I didn't have a tin. I will definitely be making this one again. It freezes very well too.

    Reply

  13. Lorraine says

    What a great recipe Siobhan! It was very tasty, wonderful curry flavour with that touch of coconut. The sauce reduced to a lovely thick consistency, I added some baby spinach at the end and served over brown rice with the coriander and dollop of yoghurt... delicious!
    Thanks for the recipe. ❤️

    Reply

  14. Lizette says

    This was most definitely one of the most delicious curry dishes that could be enjoyed by the whole family.

    Reply

  15. Tracey Woodhouse says

    Absolutely beautiful! Love how you incorporate vegetables into your dishes. Have to mention, I have cooked hundreds of your recipes and can't fault any of them, so of course I had to buy your cookbook! Can't wait for the next book now

    Reply

    • Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says

      thank you Tracey - I am so glad you enjoy the recipes.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Coconut Beef Meatball Curry (2024)

FAQs

What does coconut curry sauce taste like? ›

A mild coconut curry sauce with a beautiful depth of flavour that belies how quick and easy it is. Tastes like an Indian curry, but not quite as intense, nor spicy. It's utterly addictive. I really love lentils and pumpkin with this creamy sauce, but feel free to use whatever you want, including proteins - see notes.

What is the best beef for meatballs? ›

80/20: Ground Chuck

It's the highest lean-to-fat ratio in the specialty grinds and tends to be quite tender and juicy. Ground chuck is from the shoulder of the cow. It is rich and tender with plenty of flavor. Often referred to as “lean ground beef,” this is perfect for hamburgers and meatballs.

What is the secret of a tender meatball? ›

Breadcrumbs: I add breadcrumbs for texture. I also love substituting them for crushed saltine crackers like we do for this meatloaf. Milk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the meat, making our meatballs juicy and tender once cooked. Egg: Adds more moisture and helps the mixture firm up once cooked.

Should meatballs be cooked before adding to sauce? ›

Although the meatballs are not browned first, they still cook though in the sauce and it is safe to add them to the sauce raw, as long as the sauce is kept at a simmer until the meatballs are cooked through. Cooking the meatballs this way means that they stay quite tender even when cooked.

What is coconut curry sauce made of? ›

Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Coconut Powder (Coconut Extract, Emulsifier: Sodium Caseinate), Salt, Soybean Oil, Coriander Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Turmeric Powder, Modified Corn Starch, Spices, Stabilizer (E415).

What is the difference between Thai and Indian coconut curry? ›

Thai curries have a brighter flavor and soupier consistency, because they use lots of fresh herbs and are cooked for less time than Indian curries. It's worth your time stocking up on some of the unique ingredients — you can freeze herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for multiple future uses.

Is milk or egg better for meatballs? ›

Egg is used as a binding agent, and some type of bread crumb or cracker is added to give meatballs a bit more depth. When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs.

How many meatballs per person? ›

A quick guide to figure out how many meatballs you need is as follows: If you are serving 2-ounce meatballs you should plan on having 3 meatballs per person. Therefore, for 50 people you will need 150 2-ounce meatballs. These will also be 2-inch meatballs or the size of a golf ball.

Is it better to fry meatballs or cook in sauce? ›

There is no right or wrong way; try them all and see what works best for you. Cooking your meatballs in a sauce is a sure-fire way to keep them moist and succulent – one of the reasons why dishes like Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic family favourite.

Is it better to fry or bake meatballs? ›

Baking them gives the meatballs a little more flavor without additional oil since you are searing the outside under the broiler in your oven. Just make sure you bake them on a really heavy-duty baking sheet like this one.

Do meatballs get more tender the longer they cook in sauce? ›

As the collagen in the meat dissolves over time, it transforms into gelatin, which not only adds a silky texture to the sauce but also contributes to the overall richness and depth of flavor. The longer the simmer, the more tender and succulent the meatballs become.

Why do people put milk in meatballs? ›

When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

Is it better to bake meatballs at 350 or 400? ›

For 1-2 inches of beef, pork, or turkey meatballs without any pre-cooking, use these guidelines for your wall oven:
  • 350°F wall oven:
  • 8–14 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
  • 14–18 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
  • 400°F wall oven:
  • 6–10 minutes for 1-inch meatballs.
  • 10–14 minutes for 2-inch meatballs.
  • 425°F wall oven:
Aug 16, 2023

Why do my meatballs fall apart when I cook them? ›

Because meat shrinks when cooked, mince proteins are likely to separate and crumble unless bound together. Whether it's breadcrumbs or egg (or both), or simply salt, binding the mince is a crucial step in maintaining the softness of your meatballs while preventing them from falling apart.

What does curry sauce taste like? ›

Curry is often described as a dish that is earthy, spicy, warming, or even sometimes sweet. It is a well-balanced, richly spiced dish with notes of deep savory flavors from turmeric, coriander, cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cloves, just to name a few.

Does coconut curry taste like coconut? ›

Coconut Curry flavor

If you're wondering what coconut curry tastes like, it's a bit sweet but mostly savory with hints of spice from the red curry. Red curry is made from crushed red chilies, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, ginger and fish paste. We amp up those flavors with additional garlic, ginger, and onions.

What does coconut flavor taste like? ›

Coconuts have an overall profile of fruity, milky, sweet with slight notes of melted butter, green and wood.

What does coconut red curry taste like? ›

Thai Red Curry, like most Asian curries, has a great depth of flavour. The sauce flavour is complex, it has many layers from all the ingredients in the paste that is then simmered with broth and coconut milk. It's sweet and savoury, and it is quite rich.

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