Biweekly Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked lamb infused with warm spices and sweet apricots, ideal for a comforting biweekly feast. This middle eastern-inspired meal prep ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot, add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 2 hours until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with couscous or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Biweekly Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Biweekly Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Biweekly Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Biweekly Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Biweekly Spiced Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Middle Eastern meal prep like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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