Slow Cooker Barbecued Goat with Spiced Tomato Sauce
Succulent goat meat slow-cooked in a rich tomato and spice sauce, creating a tender, flavorful dish popular in Tanzanian cuisine. This african-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes blends cut into chunks goat shoulder meat, olive oil, large, diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 lbs, cut into chunks goat shoulder meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs goat shoulder chunks and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 4: Pour the tomato-spice sauce over the goat in the slow cooker, add 1 cup water, and stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until goat meat is tender and falls apart easily.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or ugali.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Barbecued Goat with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Barbecued Goat with Spiced Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Barbecued Goat with Spiced Tomato Sauce?
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 Cooker Barbecued Goat with Spiced Tomato Sauce 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 Cooker Barbecued Goat with Spiced Tomato Sauce?
African 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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Equipment for this recipe
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