If you are craving a deeply flavorful and comforting dish that fills your kitchen with the aroma of exotic spices, then this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender chunks of beef simmered slowly in a rich, fragrant sauce made with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, enhanced by luscious crushed tomatoes and garlic. Every bite delivers a warm, inviting taste of Moroccan cuisine that feels both special and effortlessly homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic taste of this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing layers of flavor, balance of texture, and vibrant color to the final dish.
- 2½ lb beef chuck, cubed: Use a well-marbled cut for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results after slow cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef perfectly, deepening the flavor.
- 1 onion, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and a soft texture when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that complements the spices beautifully.
- 2 tsp ground cumin: The star spice giving earthy, smoky notes essential to Moroccan cooking.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds mild heat and vibrant color, balancing the mix of spices.
- 1 tsp ground coriander: Offers subtle citrus undertones to brighten the dish.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: A hint of sweet warmth that enriches the overall depth.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich tomato base that keeps the tagine saucy and luscious.
- 1½ cups beef broth: Adds savory moisture and helps tenderize the beef during simmering.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chuck cubes in batches so they develop a beautiful caramelized crust. This simple step locks in juices and adds a rich depth of flavor that’s crucial for a memorable tagine. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook them gently until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn—this builds the aromatic foundation needed for our Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and cinnamon, stirring constantly. The spices will toast lightly in the pan, which releases their essential oils and intensifies their aromas, transforming the base of the dish right before your eyes.
Step 4: Combine Beef, Tomatoes, and Broth
Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the beef broth. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the spices coat every piece of meat. This mixture will become the heart of your tagine, thick, fragrant, and irresistibly inviting as it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let your Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe cook undisturbed for 2 to 2½ hours. This slow simmer softens the beef until it’s tender enough to fall apart, while the sauce thickens and the flavors meld harmoniously.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Before enjoying, taste and adjust the salt if needed. The final seasoning is important to achieve the balance of all those wonderful spices. Your dish is now ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the deep, spiced flavors, consider garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness. Toasted slivered almonds or a sprinkle of golden raisins can also add delightful texture and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, which soaks up every drop of the luscious sauce. Warm, soft flatbread like khobz is perfect for scooping and savoring the stew. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve your tagine in a traditional Moroccan earthenware pot, or in individual rustic bowls with colorful, patterned napkins. Garnishing each portion with microgreens or edible flowers adds a whimsical touch that makes the experience feel special and intimate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover tagine slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this tagine?
Yes! While beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if needed to achieve tenderness.
Is the Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe spicy?
This dish has warm, aromatic spices but is not overly spicy. If you prefer some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or harissa sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender.
What vegetarian options can replace the beef?
For a vegetarian twist, try substituting the beef with hearty vegetables like eggplant, butternut squash, chickpeas, and mushrooms, and cook using vegetable broth to preserve the rich flavors.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover tagine is excellent reheated as is, or try transforming it into a filling for warm pita pockets or spiced wraps, paired with fresh greens and yogurt for a tasty meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making and savoring this Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe. The slow-cooked, fragrant beef paired with cozy spices turns any meal into a warm celebration of flavor and culture. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might find it becoming a cherished favorite in your own kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Moroccan-Spiced Beef Tagine Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fragrant, slow-simmered Moroccan beef tagine featuring tender beef chuck enriched with warm spices, crushed tomatoes, and savory vegetables, perfect for a comforting main course.
Ingredients
Beef and Oil
- 2½ lb beef chuck, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Liquids
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1½ cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef chuck and brown on all sides to develop a rich color and flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add spices: Stir in ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, and cinnamon. Cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant and well combined with the onions and garlic.
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together ensuring the beef is submerged in the liquid and spices.
- Simmer the tagine: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 2½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well melded. Stir occasionally and add a little water if needed to keep from drying out.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the tagine and add salt as needed. Serve hot alongside couscous or flatbread for a traditional Moroccan meal experience.
Notes
- Serve with couscous or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For a touch of sweetness, add dried apricots during the simmering step.
- Can be made a day ahead as flavors deepen overnight.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or traditional tagine if available for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
