This Moroccan Spiced Beef Stew with Chickpeas offers a comforting and healthy meal, perfect for a flavorful dinner. You’ll love how easily this robust dish comes together, bringing vibrant tastes to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast, cut into cubes.
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work perfectly; rinse them well.
- Diced Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used for a smoother sauce.
- Broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative to beef broth.
- Spices: Don’t skip the warming spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric for authentic flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 380
- Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Simmer the Stew
Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The beef should be becoming tender.
5. Add Chickpeas and Finish Cooking
Stir in the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the stew has slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the warm Moroccan Spiced Beef Stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if you like. Enjoy this healthy beef stew recipe with your favorite bread or couscous.
Variation Ideas
- Add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash for extra nutrients and sweetness.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- For a touch of citrus, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Include a pinch of cinnamon for another layer of Moroccan flavor.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Moroccan Spiced Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you make this healthy beef stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first. Then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Is this stew spicy?
A: With 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, it has a very mild warmth. You can omit it entirely or add more for extra heat.
Q: What can you serve with this Moroccan Spiced Beef Stew?
A: It pairs wonderfully with couscous, brown rice, or a crusty whole-grain bread.
Q: Can you freeze this beef stew?
A: Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How can you thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
A: You can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this slurry into the simmering stew. Cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Q: Are there other vegetables you can add to this healthy beef stew?
A: Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans would be delicious additions. Add softer vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
