Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb with Apricots
Tender slow-cooked lamb infused with warm Moroccan spices and sweet apricots, perfect for an aromatic hearty meal. This moroccan-inspired lamb ready in about 440 minutes pairs large, chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, ground cinnamon 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 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, trimmed and cut into chunks lamb shoulder
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup, chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder chunks and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer lamb to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker with the lamb. Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup chopped dried apricots, and 1 cup beef or lamb broth.
- Step 4: Stir all ingredients gently in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the lamb is tender.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving over couscous or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb with Apricots 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 with Apricots?
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, chopped onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb with Apricots?
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 with Apricots 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.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lamb with Apricots?
Moroccan lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
