Name: Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489932H27M49S
Total time: PT-489932H27M49S
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; ½ cup dried apricots; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp turmeric; Salt & pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups beef broth

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are craving a dish that brings warmth, rich spices, and a touch of exotic flair to your dinner table, then I cannot recommend this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe enough. This slow-cooked stew thrills the senses with tender chunks of beef simmered alongside sweet dried apricots, earthy spices, and vibrant vegetables. It offers a beautiful balance of savory depth and subtle sweetness that feels like a comforting hug from North Africa, all in one pot. Trust me, this recipe quickly becomes a favorite for both weeknight meals and special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a raw red steak with visible marbling laid on brown parchment paper on a black tray. Around the steak, there is a bunch of fresh green cilantro with delicate leaves placed below it. To the right side, there is a small white bowl filled with light beige cashew nuts. Below the cashew bowl, another white bowl holds bright orange dried apricots. On the bottom right corner of the tray, there is a whole red onion with shiny skin. At the top right side of the tray, there is a black bottle labeled mini tagine with an orange triangle icon. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple but essential ingredients work harmoniously to create the bold flavors and satisfying textures that make this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe so memorable. Each component contributes a unique note, from the fragrant spices to the tender beef and subtly sweet apricots.

2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose chuck or brisket for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results after slow cooking.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the beef to lock in flavor.
1 onion, diced: Builds a savory base with natural sweetness as it softens.
2 carrots, sliced: Bring gentle sweetness and a pleasant texture to the stew.
½ cup dried apricots: Infuses a subtle fruity sweetness that perfectly balances savory spices.
2 cups beef broth: Keeps the stew moist and imparts a hearty depth.
1 tsp cumin: Offers earthy warmth essential to Moroccan flavor profiles.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds a fragrant, sweet-spicy note that enhances complexity.
1 tsp paprika: Brings smoky undertones and a vibrant color to the dish.
1 tsp turmeric: Provides a subtle bitterness and beautiful golden hue.
Salt & pepper: To taste, balancing and amplifying all other flavors.

How to Make Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the meat until it develops a deep, golden-brown crust – this step is crucial as it locks in juices and builds a rich flavor base for your tagine.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Spices

Remove the browned beef and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion to soften for a couple of minutes. Then sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to release the fragrant aromas and coat the onions evenly with the spices. This fragrant mixture is the heart of your Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe.

Step 3: Add Liquids, Carrots, and Apricots

Return the seared beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth. Add the sliced carrots and dried apricots, which bring a wonderful contrast of textures and a hint of natural sweetness. Give everything a good stir, making sure the beef is mostly covered by liquid to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let your tagine simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. During this slow cook, the beef becomes meltingly tender, and all the flavors meld into a harmonious, deeply satisfying stew. It’s worth the wait, I promise!

Step 5: Final Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, give your tagine a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can brighten the whole dish.

How to Serve Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe

A round dark green bowl with a gold rim holds a layered dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of bright green peas spread evenly across the base. Around the edge of the bowl, pale yellow artichoke pieces are arranged in a ring, their soft texture and folded leaves visible. In the center, chunky pieces of reddish-orange seasoned food are piled, mixed with small bits of yellow and green herbs and spices, adding texture and color contrast. The overall look is vibrant with green, yellow, and red shades in neat layers photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates both the look and flavor of your tagine. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts also add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender stew.

Side Dishes

This Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, which soaks up the fragrant sauce like a dream. You could also serve it with steamed basmati rice or crusty flatbread to scoop up every delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the stew in a traditional tagine pot to bring authentic flair to your table. Alternatively, family-style serving in a large shallow bowl surrounded by colorful side dishes invites everyone to dig in and share the experience. You could even fill roasted bell peppers or hollowed eggplants with the stew for a unique presentation twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This tagine actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had extra time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave just before serving.

Freezing

If you want to make this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe ahead in larger batches, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the tagine slowly in a pot on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth will help loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Avoid high heat to keep the beef tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker for this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe?

Absolutely! After searing the beef and sautéing the onions and spices, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender. This method is perfect for hands-off cooking.

What can I substitute for dried apricots?

If you don’t have dried apricots, dried peaches or dried figs also add sweet, fruity notes that complement the spices well. Fresh apricots can be used if in season, added during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid over-softening.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides such as rice or gluten-free couscous. Just double-check your beef broth to ensure it contains no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to throw in root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to add more texture and nutrition. Just keep in mind cooking times so everything becomes tender.

How spicy is this tagine?

This recipe has warm spices but not much heat. If you like things spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced chili when cooking the onions. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts well to your personal preference.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dish that can transport you across continents with just one bite, and this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe does exactly that. Its inviting aroma, cozy flavors, and beautiful balance of spices make it a joy to prepare and enjoy. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or simply crave a comforting meal full of love and culture, this tagine is a must-try. I hope you adore it as much as I do!