Lamb and Vegetable Tagine
A fragrant Middle Eastern stew combining slow-cooked lamb with seasonal vegetables and warming spices. This middle eastern-inspired one pot ready in about 100 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, medium onion, medium tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup couscous
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté 1 diced onion until translucent, then add 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder and cook until browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 2 diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, then add 1/2 cup couscous, 1/2 cup olives, and 1/4 cup raisins.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup water and simmer for 1.5 hours until the lamb is tender. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with additional couscous.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lamb and Vegetable Tagine take to make?
Total time is about 100 minutes (40 min prep + 60 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 Lamb and Vegetable Tagine?
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 Lamb and Vegetable Tagine?
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 Lamb and Vegetable Tagine 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 Lamb and Vegetable Tagine?
Middle Eastern one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 60-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
