Slow-Cooked Moroccan Lamb Stew

Name: Slow-Cooked Moroccan Lamb Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks; 2 onions, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 stalks of celery, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken or beef broth; 1 cup dried apricots, halved; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I am absolutely thrilled to share my favorite Slow-Cooked Moroccan Lamb Stew recipe with you! There’s something incredibly comforting about the way the spices meld together during the slow-cooking process. The tender lamb, infused with fragrant herbs and spices, creates an aroma that fills the kitchen and warms the soul. This dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when I crave something hearty and flavorful, yet comforting. I love serving it with warm, crusty bread to soak up all the rich, savory sauce.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T12:54:27.975Z

When I first tried my hand at making Moroccan lamb stew, I was amazed at how simple it was to create such a rich, complex dish. The key to its incredible flavor lies in the slow cooking—allowing the spices, vegetables, and lamb to harmonize into something truly special. The addition of dried apricots contributes a sweet contrast that elevates the whole dish.

One of my favorite aspects of this stew is its versatility. I can swap out vegetables based on what's in season or even use different cuts of lamb if I need to. The slow cooker does the hard work for me, and I can go about my day while the house fills with its amazing aroma. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or meal prep!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic blend of spices that transport you to Morocco
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb that's bursting with flavor
Easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty family meal

      

The Role of Spices

One of the standout features of this Slow-Cooked Moroccan Lamb Stew is the aromatic blend of spices. Each spice plays a crucial role in building depth of flavor. For instance, ground cumin adds a warm, earthy note, while cinnamon provides a gentle sweetness that balances the dish beautifully. Experimenting with these spices can alter the profile; if you prefer a bolder taste, consider increasing the cumin or adding a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Additionally, the turmeric contributes to the stew's vibrant color, giving it an inviting appearance that mirrors its rich flavors. Remember to toast your spices briefly in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker; this technique enhances their essential oils, allowing the aromas to blossom fully. You'll know they're ready when they're fragrant but not burnt, typically after 30 seconds on medium heat.

Perfecting the Lamb

When selecting lamb for this stew, opt for the shoulder cuts, which are not only more affordable but also offer optimal tenderness when slow-cooked. The marbled fat found in shoulder cuts renders beautifully over time, keeping the meat moist and enriching the stew's overall flavor. If you're in a pinch, beef chuck can be a suitable substitute that performs similarly under long cooking times.

For browning the lamb, ensuring your skillet is hot enough is key—this allows for a nice sear, sealing in the juices. Aim for a deep brown color on the lamb, as this caramelization enhances the stew's richness. If you're short on time, you can skip browning and add the lamb directly into the slow cooker, but bear in mind that you might miss out on some complex flavors.

Serving Suggestions

While this Moroccan lamb stew is hearty enough on its own, I love serving it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh baguette or even pita can enhance your experience by providing a delightful texture contrast. Alternatively, couscous or a fluffy rice pilaf works wonderfully, allowing you to savor every drop of the stew.

Don’t forget about toppings! Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only brightens the dish visually but also offers a fresh herbaceous note that complements the spices. If you want to elevate it further, a dollop of Greek yogurt can add creaminess and a tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory stew.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Slow-Cooked Moroccan Lamb Stew:

Main Ingredients

2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
2 onions, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 cup dried apricots, halved
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have fresh herbs on hand for garnishing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious stew:

Brown the Lamb

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the lamb with salt and pepper, and brown it in batches for about 5 minutes each side. Transfer the browned lamb to the slow cooker.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.

Combine and Cook

Add the diced tomatoes, broth, dried apricots, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the lamb is tender.

Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and enjoy with crusty bread or couscous.

Let the flavors meld together for a truly authentic experience!

Pro Tips

For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of harissa or a pinch of saffron during cooking. Both will enhance the Moroccan essence of the stew.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best aspects of this lamb stew is that it gets better over time. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen and mingle, making for an even more delicious meal when reheated. If you plan to make it ahead, be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container.

For longer storage, consider freezing the stew. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, and it can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your stew is too thick, don't fret! Simply stir in a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered on low for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. This will concentrate the flavors and give the sauce a silkier texture.

Another common concern is the seasoning. Always taste the stew towards the end of the cooking time and adjust as necessary. A dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of salt can brighten the flavors, while a pinch of sugar can help balance the spices if it feels too strong.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of lamb?

Yes, you can use lamb shanks or lamb neck for a more economical option, but ensure they are cooked until very tender.

→ Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew can be made a day in advance; the flavors deepen and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with Moroccan lamb stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or even warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.