Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine with Apricots

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

A comforting slow-cooked lamb tagine with dried apricots and warm North African spices. This moroccan-inspired slow cooker ready in about 440 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks lamb shoulder, large, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 420 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; brown 2 lbs lamb shoulder chunks in batches for 4-5 minutes per batch until caramelized on all sides; transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp paprika; cook for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 cups chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits; bring to a simmer then pour over lamb in the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup chopped dried apricots, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker; cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until lamb is tender.
  6. Step 6: Before serving, stir gently and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds for texture and brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine with Apricots take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 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 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 large, diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker 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 Slow Cooker 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 Slow Cooker 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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