Name: Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488621H1M4S
Total time: PT-488621H1M4S
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup dried apricots or dates, chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish; Toasted almonds, optional for topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is all about bold, comforting flavors that only get better with time. With the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you get fall-apart tender lamb infused with cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, balanced by sweet dates or apricots. It’s a beautiful mix of savory and sweet, ideal for impressing guests or making your weeknight dinner extra special. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or flatbread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Carrots, sliced
Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained)
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Tomato paste
Dried apricots or dates, chopped
Ground cumin
Ground cinnamon
Ground coriander
Ground turmeric
Paprika
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Chicken or beef broth
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Toasted almonds (optional for topping)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb chunks in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, sauté onions until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes more. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add all the spices—cumin, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne—and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Transfer the onion-spice mixture to the slow cooker. Add carrots, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, chopped dried fruit, and broth. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total time: 7.5 to 8.5 hours

Variations

Use beef chuck or chicken thighs if lamb is not available.
Add butternut squash or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Replace apricots with raisins or prunes for a different sweetness.
For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of honey or pomegranate molasses.
Add preserved lemon or olives for a briny Moroccan twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. This tagine also freezes very well—cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without browning the lamb?

Yes, but browning adds depth and flavor. If short on time, you can skip it and still get a delicious result.

What cut of lamb is best for tagine?

Lamb shoulder or leg is ideal—they become tender and flavorful with slow cooking.

Can I use a tagine pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes. Simmer gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 2.5–3 hours.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild warmth from spices like cinnamon and paprika. Add cayenne to increase heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

What can I serve with lamb tagine?

Couscous, rice, quinoa, or flatbread work beautifully to soak up the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely—try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes in the last 2 hours of cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the stew itself is naturally gluten-free. Just serve with a gluten-free side if needed.

Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes, drain and rinse them before adding. They hold up well during the long cook time.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid, or mash a few chickpeas into the broth.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine brings the warmth and soul of Moroccan cuisine to your table with ease. With rich spices, tender meat, and a hint of sweetness from dried fruit, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.