Slow-Cooked Moroccan Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant slow-cooked lamb stew bursting with warm Moroccan spices and tender root vegetables, perfect for cozy dinners. This moroccan-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, trimmed and cubed, olive oil, large, chopped onion 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: 180 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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 6-8 minutes, working in batches if needed. Remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium; add 1 large chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Stir spices with onion and garlic for 1 minute to bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot along with 3 peeled and chunked carrots, 2 peeled and chunked parsnips, and 1 cubed sweet potato. Pour in 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until lamb and vegetables are tender.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the stew.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Moroccan Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Slow-Cooked Moroccan Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Moroccan Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Slow-Cooked Moroccan Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Slow-Cooked Moroccan Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables?

Moroccan lamb 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.