Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew with Apricots and Almonds

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

Tender slow-cooked beef simmered in a fragrant Moroccan spice blend with sweet apricots and crunchy almonds for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This moroccan-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs large onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 480 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown them on all sides for about 6-8 minutes. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger. Cook spices with onion and garlic for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the onion-spice mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Add 2 cups beef broth, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and sauce is thickened.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, stir in 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, crunchy finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew with Apricots and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 and Almonds?

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 onion, finely chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Stew with Apricots and Almonds?

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 and Almonds 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 and Almonds?

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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