Name: Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 3 lbs Beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes; 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 large Onion, chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 inch Ginger, grated; 1 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Ground coriander; 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder; 1/4 tsp Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced tomatoes, undrained; 4 cups Beef broth; 1 cup Dried apricots, halved; 1/2 cup Raisins; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Cooked couscous; 1/4 cup Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish; 1/4 cup Sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish (optional); 1 Lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

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If you’re searching for a dish that feels both exotic and comforting, this Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins is about to steal your heart. Imagine tender chunks of beef melting into a sauce spiced with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, all mingling with sweet dried fruits for a meal that’s savory, sweet, and unforgettable. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to make for friends and family, simply because you can’t wait to see the smile it brings to their faces. Trust me, every bowlful is like a warm, fragrant hug.

Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how the ingredients for this Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins come together in perfect harmony. There’s nothing fancy or complicated here — just a few essential pantry staples, vibrant spices, and a couple of sweet additions that magically transform everyday beef into something special. Every ingredient earns its keep, adding depth, tenderness, or a pop of color to your pot.

Beef chuck roast: Choose a well-marbled cut; it gets deliciously tender and rich when slow-simmered.
Olive oil: This adds a lush base flavor and helps brown the beef beautifully for extra depth.
Onion: Chopped onion gives the stew a sweet, mellow backbone and builds that iconic stew richness.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings irresistible aroma and sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Ginger: Grated fresh ginger delivers a peppery zing and unmistakable warmth to the dish.
Ground cumin: Earthy, toasty cumin is the soul of Moroccan spices and infuses every bite with fragrance.
Ground coriander: Light, lemony notes from coriander balance out the stew’s richer flavors.
Turmeric powder: This spice adds a golden hue and gentle warmth that makes the stew extra inviting.
Cinnamon: Just a hint makes the whole kitchen smell incredible and lends sweet, woody undertones.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a bit of gentle heat — start slow and build if you’d like it spicier.
Diced tomatoes: Use a can with its juices; tomatoes add acidity, body, and a lovely balance to the sweet fruit.
Beef broth: This forms the stew base, creating a deeply savory sauce for everything to mingle.
Dried apricots: Sliced in half, their pop of tangy sweetness is truly what sets this dish apart.
Raisins: Juicy and plump once cooked, raisins softly echo the apricots’ charm and enrich the sauce.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped for garnish, this herb brightens the finished stew with its zesty freshness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for coaxing all those lovely flavors right to the forefront.
Cooked couscous: For serving — couscous soaks up every last drop of sauce in the most satisfying way.
Toasted sliced almonds (optional): A scattering on top gives an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
Lemon wedges: On the side, for squeezing — the fresh citrus lift is a must at serving!

How to Make

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the beef cubes and let them sizzle away until beautifully browned on all sides. This step takes just a few minutes but builds huge flavor for the finished Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins. Don’t crowd the pan; you want caramelization, not steaming! Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate so you have space for the next round.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the beef set aside, add the chopped onion to the same pot, letting it soak up all those lovely browned bits left behind. Cook until the onion is soft and golden, about five minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for another one to two minutes as your kitchen fills with the most mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and, if desired, cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir and let the spices toast for about a minute — this really wakes up their essential oils, deepening the stew’s flavor. You’ll notice the spices turn beautifully fragrant right away!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Beef

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, juices and all, while giving the bottom of the pan a gentle scrape to loosen anything stuck. This means extra flavor in every bite! Add the browned beef (plus any juices on the plate) back into the pot and stir everything together so the sauce coats every morsel.

Step 5: Simmer with Apricots and Raisins

It’s time for the stew’s signature burst of sweetness: add the beef broth, dried apricots, and raisins. Stir until well combined, bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. Kick back and let the magic happen. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender enough to fall apart.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to get the flavor just right. The sauce should be rich, aromatic, a little sweet, and deeply savory. At this point, the Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins is ready for the table or even better after resting for a bit.

Step 7: Serve with Garnishes

To serve, spoon the stew over a soft bed of couscous. Sprinkle with plenty of fresh cilantro and, for a bit of crunch, toasted sliced almonds. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a bright citrusy zing — highly recommended!

How to Serve

Garnishes

This stew truly comes to life when you shower it with fresh, colorful garnishes. Fresh cilantro adds zesty herbal notes, while toasted sliced almonds bring crisp texture and a little luxury. A generous squeeze of lemon not only brightens the flavor but ties together all the spices and sweetness. Lay the garnishes on thick — the contrast between the warm stew and cool toppings is pure joy.

Side Dishes

Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins is happiest with a classic serving of fluffy couscous, which absorbs all the aromatic sauce. If couscous isn’t your thing, swap it out for creamy polenta, steamed rice, or even mashed potatoes. Add a simple side salad of crisp greens dressed in lemon and olive oil for a refreshing counterpoint, and maybe some warm flatbread for swiping up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to wow guests, try serving Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins in a wide, shallow platter; the vibrant jewels of apricots and flecks of cilantro create beautiful visual appeal. For a cozy touch, use individual bowls and let everyone garnish their own. You can also serve the stew “family style” with big communal platters of couscous and all the toppings lined up for guests to build their perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The beauty of this dish is that Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins only gets better with time. Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer the stew to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors just keep deepening.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins for future meals. Let the stew cool completely before ladling it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a delicious encore, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze! Return the stew to a pot and warm over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently as it heats through — and taste to see if it needs a touch more salt or lemon before serving. The sweetness and spice will have mellowed and melded even more.

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours—until the beef is meltingly tender. The Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins adapts perfectly to this hands-off method.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

Beef chuck roast is ideal for this recipe. Its marbling makes it perfect for long, slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful meat. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or stewing beef will also work beautifully for this Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins.

Can I substitute the dried fruits?

Yes! While apricots and raisins are classic, you can experiment with other dried fruits like prunes, dried cherries, or even dates. Just keep the quantities the same so the stew maintains its sweet-savory balance.

Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?

Definitely! Replace the beef with cubes of hearty vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and cauliflower. Swap in vegetable broth, and you’ll have a plant-based version of Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins that’s every bit as satisfying.

How spicy does this stew turn out?

The base recipe has just a gentle warmth, but you can easily dial up the spice by adding more cayenne or stirring in some chopped chilies. Taste as you go and make it as mild or fiery as you love!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dish that transports you straight to a Moroccan market, bursting with color and aroma, this Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew with Apricots and Raisins is your ticket. There’s something truly magical about a stew that’s as comforting as it is adventurous. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table — it’s bound to be requested again and again!