Beef Vindaloo Freezer Meal Recipe

Food friends, Beef Vindaloo is the blend of flavors that brings you the ultimate comfort dish. This classic Indian-inspired dish combines that tender beef with an incredible blend of spices that create a rich, yet slightly spicy curry that is perfect for warming up your soul. The tangy kick from the vinegar pairs beautifully with the spices. Serve this over some rice and you have yourself a delectable dish that will soon be asked for again.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Beef Vindaloo Recipe

• Bold and Flavorful
• Customizable Spice Level
• Versatile Serving options
• Protein Packed
• Family-friendly
• Delicious Leftovers

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Equipment Needed To Make Easy Beef Vindaloo

• Gallon freezer bag
• Whisk
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your Beef Recipe

• 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast 
• 1 large onion, chopped 
• Seasoning blend (whisk together): 
• 2 tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp ground ginger 
• 3 tbsp white vinegar 
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 
• 2 tbsp tomato paste 
• 2 tsp ground cumin 
• 2 tsp ground coriander 
• 2 tsp paprika 
• 1 tsp turmeric 
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste) 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 
• 1 1/2 tsp salt 
• Day of cooking: 
• 1 cup water 
• Cilantro lime Rice:  
• 2 cups rice uncooked, cook according to package before serving  
• juice of 2 limes  
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, diced  
• 1 tsp salt 

Beef Vindaloo Freezer Meal Recipe

Beef curry is one of those dishes that just make you want more. This Beef Vindaloo is the dish that will be asked for over and over again. With a tender bit and flavor packed beef, this dish is sure to please!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Indian

Calories 302 kcal

Equipment

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2-3 lbs Beef chuck roast
• 1 Large Onion chopped

Seasoning Blend (Whisk together)

• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Ground ginger
• 3 tbsp White vinegar
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2 tsp Ground cumin
• 2 tsp Ground coriander
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 1 tso Turmeric
• 1 tsp Chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt

Day of cooking:

• 1 cup Water

Cilantro Lime Rice

• 2 cups Uncooked rice cook according to package before serving
• 2 Limes juiced
• 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro diced
• 1 tsp Salt

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Instructions

 

Prep Directions:

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method
• Whisk together your seasoning blend, it should be the consistency of a paste.
• Add all ingredients, except for the day of cooking or cilantro lime rice ingredients, to the freezer bag. 
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. Mix the seasoning blend within sealed bag to coat the beef with all the flavors. 

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
• Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker, plus 1 cup water.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
• Break apart beef to desired sized pieces and serve over cilantro lime rice.  Optional: Top with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

Instant Pot | Cooking Directions: 

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot. 
2. Set to High Pressure for 65 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.  
3. Break apart beef to desired sized pieces and serve over cilantro lime rice.  Optional: Top with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

 

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten Free: 

• Recipe is naturally gluten-free

 

Make it Dairy Free:

 

• Recipe is naturally dairy free

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 27.87gProtein: 14.1gFat: 15.38g

Keyword Beef freezer meals, Beef Freezer Recipe, Beef Slow Cooker Recipe, Beef Vindaloo, Beef Vindaloo Freezer Meal

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Step-by-Step Directions to make a Beef Vindaloo

Prep Directions: 

• Step 1: Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method. 
• Step 2: Whisk together your seasoning blend, it should be the consistency of a paste. 
• Step 3: Add all ingredients, except for the day of cooking or cilantro lime rice ingredients, to the freezer bag.  
• Step 4: Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. Mix the seasoning blend within sealed bag to coat the beef with all the flavors.  

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

• Step 1: Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking. 
• Step 2: Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker, plus 1 cup water. 
• Step 2: Cook on low for 8-10 hours. 
• Step 3: Break apart beef to desired sized pieces and serve over cilantro lime rice.  Optional: Top with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

What to Pair with Your Easy Beef Vindaloo Recipe

Sides

• Garlic Naan Bread
• Raita
• Mango Chutney

Desserts

• Gulab Jamun
• Kheer (Rice Pudding) 
• Mango Lassi

Mocktails

• Blood Orange & Rosemary Soda
• Key Lime Margarita Mocktail
• Rose Cardamom Lassi Mocktail

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Substitutions

1. Protein: Substitute beef chuck roast with chicken thighs or pork shoulder. Both are tender and soak up the flavors well, making them excellent options for freezing.
2. Vinegar: Replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang that complements the spices.
3. Tomato Paste: Swap tomato paste with an equal amount of crushed canned tomatoes for a slightly lighter and chunkier texture in the sauce.

Additions

1. Vegetables: Add frozen diced potatoes or carrots to bulk up the dish. They’ll freeze and reheat beautifully while absorbing the spices.
2. Legumes: Include frozen cooked chickpeas for added protein and a textural contrast. They blend seamlessly into the rich curry.
3. Coconut Milk: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of coconut milk for a creamier, mildly sweet flavor profile that pairs well with the spices.

Best Way To Store Beef Vindaloo Leftover?

Storing your beef Vindaloo is super easy and allows you to successfully have leftovers later in the week. Store your leftovers in a airtight container to keep it fresh longer. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth. Drizzle a thin layer of vegetable oil on top before sealing to act as a barrier against the air.

How Long Will Family friendly Beef Vindaloo Last In the Fridge?

Beef Vindaloo will stay fresh in the fridge, after it has been cooked, for 3-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Always allow your recipe to cool to room temperature before storing in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Quick and Easy Beef Vindaloo?

Absolutely! Beef Vindaloo freezes exceptionally well. Portioning it into freezer safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion as it freezes, is necessary for proper storage practices. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without much loss of flavor or texture.

How To Reheat Convenient Beef Vindaloo?

When you are looking to reheat your leftovers, the stovetop and your microwave are your best bets.

• Stovetop: place the desired amount of leftovers into a saucepan, with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until completely warmed through.
• Microwave: place your desired leftovers on the microwave safe-plate, cover loosely with a lid or wrap, and heat in short intervals, stirring between each burst.
• If your leftovers are frozen, make sure to allow your recipe to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Your Questions Answered

Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.

What is Beef Vindaloo, and what makes it different from other curries?

Yes, Beef Vindaloo is a very unique dish. Originating from the Indian State of Goa, this curry does stand out with its tangy flavor and spicy profile. The use of vinegar and a blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander and paprika gives this dish a bold flavor, which sets it apart from other creamy and mildier curries.

How spicy is this recipe, and can the heat level be adjusted?

Yes, with this recipe, you are in control of the spice level. The chili powder can add the heat, but reducing or substituting it with paprika can make it a milder version with a low spice profile for those that have a lower tolerance for spice.

What type of beef is best for Vindaloo? Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, Beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, but you may also consider using a brisket or stew beef as these will work just as well.

Can I substitute the beef with chicken, or a vegetarian option?

Yes you can! Chicken thighs, tofu, or chickpeas make for an excellent substitute while preserving the dish’s rich flavor profile.

Is there a substitute for white vinegar in the recipe?

Yes, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice works perfectly for that tangy kick that is a staple of this dish.

Do I need to marinate the beef before cooking?

No, marianation isn’t required. The spices develop their depth during the cooking process and do not require marinating.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Both methods work beautifully. Slow cooking develops their flavor, while the instant pot speeds up the process of cooking.

Can I serve this dish with Naan bread instead of rice?

Yes! Naan bread is a fantastic pairing, and perfect for scooping up with the flavorful curry.

What is the history behind a Beef Vindaloo recipe?

Originally a portuguese dish called “carne de vinha d’alhos, Vindaloo was adapted in Goa, blending the Indian spices with vinegar for its signature flavor profile.

Other curry inspired recipes you will love!

• Butter Chicken Whole 30 Freezer Recipe
• Red Lentil Dal Freezer Recipe
• Yellow Curry Chicken Freezer Recipe 
• Mango Curry Chicken Freezer Recipe
• Curry Lentil Soup Freezer Recipe
• Tandoori Chicken Freezer Recipe

Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Beef Vindaloo Turned Out!

And if you have ANY QUESTIONS comment here, I’m happy to help.