Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew with Apricots

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty beef stew simmered low and slow with warm Moroccan spices and sweet dried apricots for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This moroccan-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes; transfer browned beef to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tsp paprika; cook spices with onion mixture for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker with the beef; add 3 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.
  6. Step 6: Before serving, stir the stew and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew 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 Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew 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 Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew 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 Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew 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 Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew with Apricots?

Moroccan beef 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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