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Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lamb Tagine with Apricots

By PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 9, 2026 | Updated Oct 17, 2026
Mediterranean-North African 400 mins slowcookerfamilydinnerglutenfreedairyfreeflavorfulbudget-friendlyhearty

Lamb shoulder browned in a skillet and slow-cooked with apricots, olives, tomatoes and warm spices. Estimated timing (not kitchen-tested): preparation 20 minutes; cooking 380 minutes; additional elapsed time 0 minutes; total about 400 minutes. Uses the low slow-cooker setting; alternative methods take different times. Times are planning estimates based on the instructions. Follow the stated doneness and temperature checks, and extend cooking or cooling as needed.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lamb Tagine with Apricots
Prep 20 min
Cook 380 min
Total 400 min
Servings 6
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Mediterranean-North African

Recipe Details

Prep20 min
Cook380 min
Total400 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy
CuisineMediterranean-North African
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Ingredients

Servings 6
  • 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup dried apricots, halved
  • 1/4 cup pitted green olives
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Cooked couscous, rice, or quinoa, for serving (optional)
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lamb Tagine with Apricots
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lamb Tagine with Apricots

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer the browned lamb to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the cinnamon, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using), cooking for 30 seconds to release the spices' aromas.
  4. Add the tomato paste, stirring well, then pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Transfer the tomato and spice mixture to the slow cooker with the lamb. Add apricots and olives, then season generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lamb is very tender and the sauce has thickened.
  7. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. Serve the tagine hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. Pair with couscous, rice, or quinoa if desired.
  9. Refrigerate promptly in shallow covered containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers to 165 F (74 C).
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lamb Tagine with Apricots cooking in the recommended pan or pot
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lamb Tagine with Apricots cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Timing note

Allow for preparation and sequential skillet browning/sauteing before 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, until lamb is very tender. Side dishes require separate preparation.

Storage

Refrigerate promptly in shallow covered containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers to 165 F (74 C).

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