Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
A fragrant slow-cooked lamb stew infused with Moroccan spices, tender root vegetables, and a rich tomato broth that warms the soul. This whole30-inspired whole30 (paleo, gluten free) ready in about 440 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, beef broth (Whole30 compliant) 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 large, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces parsnips
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (canned, no salt added)
- 2 cups beef broth (Whole30 compliant)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer lamb to slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Pour 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups Whole30-compliant beef broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Step 5: Transfer the tomato-spice broth to the slow cooker with the lamb. Add 3 large peeled and chopped carrots and 2 peeled and chopped parsnips.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the lamb is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving for brightness and color.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Root Vegetables?
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 yellow onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Root Vegetables 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 Root Vegetables paleo?
Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, gluten free, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The root vegetables were the star of the show! So tender and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Whole30 compliant and delicious. I'll be making this again next week!
- ★★★★★
This stew was a hit with my whole family! The spices were perfect and the lamb was so tender.