Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Whole30 cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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