Crock Pot Moroccan Beef Stew

This Crock Pot Moroccan Beef Stew is a rich and aromatic recipe, which includes chuck roast and dried apricots. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish, ready in about 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Crock Pot Moroccan Beef Stew Ingredients

Stew

• 1 (2-pound) chuck roast, trimmed and cubed into approximately 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 small plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped
• Celery leaves, for garnish

Harissa

• 2 dried chipotle peppers
• 4 dried New Mexico chili peppers
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• Salt, to taste

How To Make Crock Pot Moroccan Beef Stew

1. Prep the beef: In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the beef cubes in the mixture until lightly coated.
2. Optional sear (adds flavor): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides. Transfer to the Crock Pot. (You can skip this step and add raw beef directly, but searing deepens flavor.)
3. Add seasonings and vegetables: Sprinkle paprika, coriander, turmeric, cumin, ginger, and cayenne over the beef. Add celery, onion, carrots, garlic, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
4. Slow cook the stew: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Add tomatoes and apricots: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped tomatoes and dried apricots.
6. Make the harissa: Soak dried peppers in hot water for 20 minutes. Remove stems and seeds, then blend with toasted cumin and coriander, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar until smooth. Season with salt.
7. Serve: Garnish with celery leaves. Serve with couscous, rice, or pita bread and a spoonful of harissa.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use store-bought stew meat?
  It’s best to avoid it—store-bought stew meat is often inconsistent in texture and quality.
• How to make this in an Instant Pot:
  Cook on HIGH pressure for 30–35 minutes, then follow the same steps for adding apricots and tomatoes.
• Can I make this stew ahead of time?
  Yes! Stews taste even better after the flavors have time to develop. Make it up to two days in advance.
• How to freeze Moroccan beef stew:
  Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• What is harissa and is it optional?
  Harissa is a smoky chili paste that adds depth and spice. It’s optional but highly recommended for authentic flavor.

What To Serve With Moroccan Beef Stew

This stew has bold spices and sweet-savory flavor, so pair it with simple sides like:

• Couscous
• Basmati rice
• Warm pita bread
• Roasted root vegetables
• A light cucumber salad

How To Store Moroccan Beef Stew

Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Let the stew cool fully, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven or on the stovetop.

Moroccan Beef Stew Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 358 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 1664mg
• Potassium: 850mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 24g
• Calcium: 87mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use lamb instead of beef in this Moroccan stew?
Yes, lamb works beautifully with Moroccan spices. Use shoulder or leg meat, cut into chunks.

Is harissa supposed to be spicy?
Yes, harissa is naturally spicy, but you can control the heat by using milder peppers or adjusting the amount.

Can I skip the flour when dredging the beef?
You can skip it, but flour helps brown the meat and slightly thickens the stew.

Why are dried apricots used?
They add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices and brings Moroccan character to the dish.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Mississippi Beef Stew
• Crock Pot Mississippi Beef Noodles
• Crock Pot Mexican Beef Stew