Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

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

Tender beef slow-cooked with warm Moroccan spices, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds for a comforting and richly flavored stew. This moroccan-inspired beef (gluten free) ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, olive oil, onion 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 480 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 beef chuck cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes each side until deeply seared. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and add 1 cup chopped dried apricots.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds just before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine with Apricots and Almonds 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 Tagine 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 beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine 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 Tagine 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.

Is Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine with Apricots and Almonds gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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