Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef with Apricots and Almonds

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

Tender slow-cooked beef infused with warm Moroccan spices, sweet dried apricots, and crunchy almonds for a savory-sweet flavor profile. This african-inspired slow cooker (gluten free) ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, olive oil, yellow onion 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 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 African cuisine 420 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. Season 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Transfer browned beef to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced large yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric. Cook spices with onion and garlic for 1 minute to bloom the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Transfer onion-spice mixture to the slow cooker with beef. Add 2 cups beef broth and 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.
  6. Step 6: Before serving, stir in 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Beef 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 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 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 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 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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