This beef sweet potato tagine is a slow-simmered North African stew that combines succulent beef chunks with sweet potatoes, fragrant spices, and dried apricots for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ideal for a comforting dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients and a hands-off slow cooking method that yields tender meat and rich sauce.
The dish features warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander that provide a fragrant, cozy aroma and depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and the spices to deeply infuse the sauce.
- Sweet potatoes add both texture and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory spiced beef.
- Dried apricots introduce a fruity contrast, enhancing the complexity and authenticity of the dish.
- Using common pantry spices and staples makes this recipe accessible for home cooks seeking a flavorful international meal.
Spiced Beef and Sweet Potato Tagine
This North African-inspired beef sweet potato tagine blends tender beef chunks with sweet potatoes, dried apricots, and aromatic spices for a hearty, flavorful stew.
- Prep time
- 20 minutes
- Cook time
- 120 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 pound/450 g), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup (75 g) dried apricots, halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown the Beef Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices In the same pot, add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer Return the browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Dried Apricots After 1 hour, add the sweet potatoes and dried apricots to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beef and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Season and Serve Check seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Helpful Tips
- For best flavor, brown the beef in batches without overcrowding the pan to achieve a rich caramelized crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution while simmering.
- If your dried apricots are very hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the stew.
- To keep the stew safe, ensure it simmers at a gentle but steady temperature around 185°F (85°C) or above. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until steaming hot throughout (165°F/74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?
You can substitute regular potatoes, but sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that complements the spices and dried fruit in this tagine.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no gluten ingredients. Be sure to check your beef broth or stock label to confirm it's gluten-free.
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