This Moroccan-Spiced Beef and Lentil Stew is a hearty, nutritious dish that is as delicious as it is filling. With tender beef, flavorful lentils, and an array of warm spices, it’s the perfect comfort food for a cold day. The stew is cooked slowly in a crockpot, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory broth. A hint of sweetness from dried apricots and a zesty finish from fresh lemon juice make it truly unique.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 medium carrots, diced

• 3 stalks celery, diced

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth (can substitute vegetable broth)

• 1 cup dry red lentils (can substitute green or brown lentils)

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika

• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¾ teaspoon ground coriander

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon fine salt

• ½ teaspoon ground allspice

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 bay leaves

• ⅓ cup dried apricots, finely diced

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

• Optional: Whole wheat pita bread, naan, or Greek yogurt for serving

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the beef and juices to the slow cooker.

2. Add Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings (turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice, and black pepper) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

3. Add Lentils and Bay Leaves: Stir in dry lentils and bay leaves. Cover and cook on the low setting for 7-9 hours, or until the lentils are tender.

4. Finish Stew: Stir in the dried apricots, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve with pita bread, naan, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 318 kcal

• Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Sodium: 728mg

• Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Fiber: 7g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 30g

• Cholesterol: 77mg

A Flavorful Combination of Ingredients

At the heart of this stew is a blend of tender beef, lentils, and a variety of warm spices that give it its distinctive flavor. The beef stew meat, cooked until tender, serves as the rich base for the stew. As it slow-cooks in the crockpot, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the spices and broth around it.

Lentils are the star of the dish, providing not only a substantial texture but also a healthy dose of fiber and protein. The lentils soak up all the flavors of the broth and spices, making them an ideal addition to this stew. You can use red lentils for a quicker cooking time, but green or brown lentils will work as well, giving the stew a slightly firmer texture.

The stew’s flavor profile is deeply influenced by the Moroccan spices used, such as turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger. These spices infuse the stew with a warm, aromatic depth that’s both savory and a bit sweet. Cinnamon and allspice bring a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes, while ginger and garlic provide a bit of heat and warmth.

The Role of Dried Apricots and Lemon Juice

What makes this stew truly unique is the addition of dried apricots and a splash of lemon juice. The dried apricots, finely diced, offer a delicate sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory depth of the beef and lentils. The sweetness from the apricots is subtle but adds a layer of complexity that makes the stew stand out from other hearty dishes.

The lemon juice adds a refreshing zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the stew, bringing balance to the dish. The bright acidity of the lemon helps to highlight the spices and flavors, making the stew taste fresh and vibrant despite its slow-cooked nature.

The Slow-Cooking Process: Building Flavor

One of the most appealing aspects of this Moroccan-Spiced Beef and Lentil Stew is how easy it is to prepare. Once you’ve browned the beef and prepped the vegetables, everything goes into the slow cooker for hours of hands-off cooking. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, and the beef becomes incredibly tender as it soaks up the broth and spices. The lentils, too, soften and absorb the aromatic liquid, making them flavorful and hearty.

To start, the beef stew meat is browned in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, which helps to develop the savory caramelization that enhances the flavor of the dish. After browning the beef, it’s transferred to the slow cooker along with diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. These vegetables provide a solid base for the stew, releasing their natural sweetness and depth as they cook.

The next step is to add the spices—turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice, and black pepper. These spices will form the foundation of the stew’s deep, warm flavor. Once combined, the mixture is topped off with diced tomatoes and beef broth, which provides the necessary liquid for cooking. Finally, the lentils and bay leaves are added before the slow cooking begins.

Letting the Stew Cook Low and Slow

Once everything is combined in the slow cooker, the stew is set to cook on low heat for 7-9 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together. As the stew cooks, the lentils soften and absorb the spices, creating a rich, hearty broth that’s both savory and slightly sweet from the apricots.

The beauty of a slow cooker is that it requires minimal effort on your part. Simply set it and forget it, letting the stew cook and develop its flavors while you go about your day. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family meals, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. The long cook time also makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Finishing Touches: Apricots, Lemon, and Parsley

Once the stew is done cooking, it’s time to add the finishing touches. The dried apricots are stirred in, infusing the stew with their sweet flavor. Then, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the stew. Finally, fresh parsley is sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is flavorful.

Serving the Stew: A Complete Meal

This Moroccan-Spiced Beef and Lentil Stew is a complete meal in itself, packed with protein, vegetables, and fiber. To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley. The stew pairs wonderfully with a side of whole wheat pita bread or naan, which are perfect for sopping up the rich broth. You can also serve the stew with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and a cool contrast to the warmth of the spices.

For a more filling meal, serve the stew with a side of steamed rice or couscous, which will soak up the flavorful broth and complement the stew’s rich textures. Whether served on its own or with a side, this stew is sure to please.

Why This Stew is Perfect for Cold Days

The Moroccan-Spiced Beef and Lentil Stew is ideal for chilly days when you crave something warm, filling, and flavorful. Its rich broth and tender beef offer comfort, while the unique blend of spices and the sweetness of the apricots make it stand out from traditional stews. The stew is also highly nutritious, with plenty of fiber and protein from the lentils and beef, making it both hearty and healthy.

The slow-cooked nature of the stew means it’s perfect for meal prepping or making in advance. It holds up well in the fridge and even improves in flavor after a day or two, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. You can also freeze the stew in individual portions for a ready-made meal on busy days.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Hearty Meal

This Moroccan-Spiced Beef and Lentil Stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With its tender beef, flavorful lentils, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness from dried apricots, this stew is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether served for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—everything you could want in a stew.