Date-Sweetened Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots

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

A fragrant Moroccan tagine where tender lamb is slowly braised with sweet dates and dried apricots in a rich spiced sauce. This moroccan-inspired slow cooker ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, dried dates, halved, dried apricots, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 Moroccan cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp paprika. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Return lamb to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup halved dried dates, 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  5. Step 5: Simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Date-Sweetened Moroccan 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 Date-Sweetened Moroccan 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 dried dates, halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Date-Sweetened Moroccan 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 Date-Sweetened Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Date-Sweetened Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Apricots?

Moroccan slow cooker 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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