Moroccan Beef Tagine with Apricots is a fragrant and richly flavored stew that transports you straight to the bustling markets of Marrakech. Slow-cooked beef is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, creating deep, comforting flavors. Sweet, tender apricots add a delightful contrast to the savory meat, while caramelized onions and a touch of honey bring everything together in perfect harmony.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly aromatic, comforting, and elegant. The sweet apricots perfectly balance the savory beef, and the slow-cooked spices fill the kitchen with an irresistible fragrance. Every bite is tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Authentic Moroccan flavors with a sweet-savory balance
• Slow-cooked beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender
• Great for special occasions or a cozy family meal
• Easy to make in a Dutch oven or slow cooker
• Rich, layered flavors that impress without being overly complicated

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2–2.5 hours (stovetop or oven)
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes–2 hours 50 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~450–500 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Moroccan / North African

Ingredients

For the Tagine

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, finely sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a tagine, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot. Brown beef cubes in batches; remove and set aside.
2. Cook onions and garlic: In the same pot, sauté onions until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes.
3. Add spices: Stir in cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Toast for 1 minute to release aroma.
4. Deglaze: Add tomato paste and broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
5. Simmer beef: Return beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
6. Add apricots and honey: Stir in dried apricots and honey during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.
7. Finish: Stir in chopped cilantro before serving. Sprinkle with toasted almonds if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep ingredients: Cut beef into cubes, slice onions, mince garlic, measure spices.
2. Brown beef: Heat oil, sear beef cubes until golden on all sides, remove from pot.
3. Cook aromatics: Sauté onions until caramelized, add garlic and cook briefly.
4. Toast spices: Add cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt; toast slightly.
5. Deglaze: Stir in tomato paste and broth to loosen browned bits.
6. Simmer: Return beef, cover, and cook slowly for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
7. Add fruit and honey: Stir in apricots and honey during last 15–20 minutes.
8. Finish: Add cilantro and garnish with almonds before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Moroccan Beef Tagine over fluffy couscous, steamed rice, or with warm flatbreads. Garnish with fresh cilantro, slivered almonds, and a squeeze of lemon for added brightness. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Recipe Tips

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot or tagine to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Brown beef in batches to avoid steaming instead of searing.
• Soak dried apricots in warm water for 10 minutes if they are very dry.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; a little salt and lemon juice can brighten flavors.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.

Variations

• Chicken Tagine: Substitute beef with bone-in chicken thighs.
• Vegetarian: Use chickpeas and root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini.
• Nut-Free: Skip almonds or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Extra Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne or 1 fresh chili pepper for heat.
• Citrus Twist: Add preserved lemon slices for authentic Moroccan flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Special Equipment Needed

• Tagine, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, brown the beef first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add apricots and honey in the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I use fresh apricots?
A: Yes, substitute with 1 ½ cups chopped fresh apricots; add during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.

Q: Is tagine necessary?
A: No, a Dutch oven or heavy pot works perfectly. Tagine adds authenticity and slow-cooked aroma.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Couscous, rice, or warm flatbreads like pita or naan. A simple side salad also pairs well.

Conclusion

Moroccan Beef Tagine with Apricots is an aromatic, flavorful, and heartwarming dish that balances sweet, savory, and spice beautifully. With tender beef, fragrant spices, and sweet apricots, it’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. Easy to prepare, versatile, and deeply satisfying, this tagine is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience authentic Moroccan flavors.