Slow Cooker Harissa-Spiced Lamb Stew
A rich and aromatic lamb stew slow-cooked with harissa, tomatoes, and warm spices for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 445 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, harissa paste, (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. Transfer lamb to slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 3 sliced carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Add 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and spices to the slow cooker. Add 4 tbsp harissa paste, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices), 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until lamb is tender and stew has thickened.
- Step 5: Just before serving, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for brightness and serve warm with crusty bread or couscous.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Harissa-Spiced Lamb Stew take to make?
Total time is about 445 minutes (25 min prep + 420 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 Cooker Harissa-Spiced Lamb Stew?
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 harissa paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Harissa-Spiced Lamb Stew?
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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Stew 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 Harissa-Spiced Lamb Stew?
Mediterranean 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.
