Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Stew with Carrots and Zucchini
Tender lamb slow-cooked with warming Moroccan spices, sweet carrots, and zucchini for a comforting, Whole30-compliant stew. This moroccan-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 440 minutes pairs large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, tablespoons tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes lamb stew meat
- 3 medium, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons zucchini
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups, no sugar added chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds lamb stew meat and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
- Step 4: Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker. Add 3 sliced carrots, 2 sliced zucchinis, and 2 cups chicken broth.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours until lamb is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Stew with Carrots and Zucchini 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 Lamb Stew with Carrots and Zucchini?
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 Lamb Stew with Carrots and Zucchini?
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 Lamb Stew with Carrots and Zucchini 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 Lamb Stew with Carrots and Zucchini whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.