SP,
thanks for the post.
I usually pre-cook beef (braising beef for a long, slow cook) in some beef stock, enough stock to cover beef, with some cardamom pods, fennel seeds, tomato paste, garam masala, cloves, coriander powder, cumin powder and star anise.
cook this in a pot low and slow for about 3-4 hours or until your desired meat consitency is achieved.
lift out beef with a slotted spoon and wait to cool a wee bit.
cook as normal in your curry (do not stir too much to avoid breaking beef chunks into little pieces)
cheers