How to Make Beef Tagine Moroccan Recipe

When it comes to rich, comforting meals that bring bold flavor to the table, it’s hard to beat a classic Moroccan Beef Tagine. This slow-simmered dish is built on tender beef, aromatic spices, and sweet-and-savory touches like dried apricots and green olives. It’s the kind of hearty, soul-warming dinner that feels like it’s been passed down through generations—and now you can make it right in your own kitchen with simple steps and everyday tools.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Layers of flavor: Warm spices, tender beef, and a touch of sweetness.
  • Slow-cooked perfection: The beef gets incredibly tender with minimal effort.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Even better the next day!
  • Customizable: Swap in lamb, try prunes instead of apricots, or use chickpeas for a lighter version.

I made this for a family dinner one Sunday, and it’s been a favorite ever since. The sweet and savory balance, paired with fluffy couscous, made it a hit with adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

For the Tagine:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck or shoulder, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dried apricots, halved
  • ½ cup green olives, pitted

To Garnish:

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds

Tip: You can substitute lamb for beef, or use a Ras el Hanout spice blend (about 3 tbsp) instead of the individual spices.

How to Make Beef Tagine

1. Brown the Beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or tagine base, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meat on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.

Pro Tip: Pat the beef dry with paper towels before searing—this helps develop a deep, flavorful crust.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Add sliced onions and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook another minute.

3. Toast the Spices

Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and the cinnamon stick. Stir constantly for 30–60 seconds to “bloom” the spices.

4. Build the Stew

Return beef (and any juices) to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth. The liquid should just cover the meat.

5. Slow Simmer

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ hours, or until the meat is beginning to get tender.

If using a tagine, transfer to the tagine base now and continue cooking as directed.

6. Add Apricots & Olives

Stir in honey, lemon juice, apricots, and olives. Cover and cook another 30 minutes, until meat is fork-tender and sauce is slightly thickened.

7. Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, cilantro, and toasted almonds just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Spoon over fluffy couscous or serve with warm pita or flatbread.
  • Add a crisp cucumber-tomato salad with mint for contrast.
  • Serve with extra lemon wedges, harissa, or preserved lemon on the side.

Make It Ahead

This dish actually gets better with time. Prepare it a day in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat gently with a splash of broth for added moisture.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Helpful Tips

✔ Don’t skip searing the meat—it adds incredible depth.
✔ Use fresh spices for the best flavor (not more than 6 months old).
✔ Keep the heat low—this is a slow, gentle simmer.
✔ Tagines work best when undisturbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often.

Final Thoughts

This Moroccan-style Beef Tagine is a true comfort food classic, full of bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef. With its simple steps and nourishing ingredients, it’s a perfect centerpiece for your next cozy dinner at home or a memorable gathering with loved ones.

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