Moroccan Beef Tagine with Chickpeas: A Hearty and Flavorful One-Pot Dish

Transport your taste buds to North Africa with this Moroccan Beef Tagine with Chickpeas. This recipe combines tender beef, warming spices, hearty chickpeas, and a rich tomato-based sauce to create a deliciously comforting meal. Paired with fluffy couscous and fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Inspired by traditional Moroccan flavors, this tagine is slow-cooked to allow the beef to become fall-apart tender while the spices meld beautifully into the sauce. Even if you don’t have a tagine pot, a Dutch oven or large pot works perfectly for this recipe.

Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to making an authentic-tasting Moroccan tagine, complete with tips, substitutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Beef Tagine Recipe

1. Rich and Aromatic Flavors: Warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric pair beautifully with smoked paprika and cayenne for a robust, slightly spicy flavor profile.
2. One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which makes preparation and cleanup simple and convenient.
3. Tender, Slow-Cooked Beef: Beef chuck becomes incredibly tender after a few hours of slow cooking, absorbing all the delicious spices and tomato-based sauce.
4. Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from beef and chickpeas, plus vegetables like carrots, this dish is both hearty and nourishing.
5. Versatile: Serve with couscous, flatbread, or even rice, and customize the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients for Moroccan Beef Tagine with Chickpeas

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty Moroccan-inspired dish:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks (or substitute with beef shoulder or lamb for a variation)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred for better seasoning control)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and halved (optional: slice into smaller pieces for quicker cooking)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup couscous (or substitute with quinoa or rice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional: use parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Beef Chuck: Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking, but lamb shoulder or shanks also work wonderfully for a more traditional Moroccan flavor.
• Chickpeas: These add texture and protein. You can substitute with white beans or lentils if desired.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the base of the sauce. You can substitute with diced tomatoes or even tomato puree for a smoother consistency.
• Spices: Adjust the cayenne to control the heat, or add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for additional warmth.
• Couscous: Couscous is a classic pairing, but feel free to serve with rice, bulgur, or even mashed potatoes.

How to Make Moroccan Beef Tagine

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper.
3. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the sauce.
4. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Spices

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
2. Stir in the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, enhancing their flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the broth.
3. Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and carrots.

Step 4: Simmer the Tagine

1. Return the seared beef to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce.
2. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.
   • Shortcut Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook the tagine in an Instant Pot (45 minutes on high pressure) or a slow cooker (6-8 hours on low).

Step 5: Prepare the Couscous

1. About 10 minutes before the tagine is done, prepare 1 cup of couscous according to package instructions. Typically, couscous requires a 1:1 ratio of boiling water to couscous, with a few minutes of steaming under a lid.
2. Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the Moroccan beef tagine hot over a bed of couscous.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lemon for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips for the Best Moroccan Beef Tagine

1. Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot retains heat well, allowing the beef to cook evenly and become tender.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the dish, so take your time with this step.
3. Simmer Low and Slow: Low heat ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors have time to develop.
4. Taste and Adjust Spices: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
5. Add Lemon for Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end balances the richness of the dish with a refreshing citrus note.

Serving Suggestions

Moroccan beef tagine is a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some ideas:

1. Couscous: The classic pairing, as couscous absorbs the rich sauce perfectly.
2. Rice or Quinoa: Great alternatives for soaking up the sauce.
3. Flatbread: Warm naan or pita bread is perfect for scooping up the tagine.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
5. Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.

Variations to Try

1. Lamb Tagine: Substitute the beef with lamb shoulder or lamb shanks for a traditional Moroccan touch.
2. Vegetarian Tagine: Omit the beef and double the chickpeas. Add sweet potatoes, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian option.
3. Add Dried Fruit: Stir in dried apricots, raisins, or prunes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a hint of sweetness.
4. Spice it Up: Increase the cayenne or add harissa paste for a spicier version of this dish.
5. Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts over the finished dish for extra texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

1. What is a tagine?

A tagine is a traditional North African dish named after the conical clay pot it’s cooked in. The unique shape of the pot helps retain moisture, creating tender and flavorful dishes. If you don’t have a tagine pot, a Dutch oven or heavy skillet works just as well.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This tagine tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

3. Can I freeze Moroccan beef tagine?

Absolutely. Allow the tagine to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

4. Is this dish spicy?

This tagine has mild heat from the cayenne pepper, but you can omit the cayenne for a milder version or add more for extra spice.

5. What other cuts of meat can I use?

In addition to beef chuck, you can use lamb shoulder, short ribs, or even chicken thighs for this recipe.

Conclusion

This Moroccan Beef Tagine with Chickpeas is a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. The tender beef, warm spices, and hearty chickpeas come together in a luscious sauce that’s perfect for scooping over couscous or rice. Whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or a seasoned fan, this one-pot meal is a must-try.

So, gather your ingredients, simmer your pot, and let the exotic aromas fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a wedge of lemon for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!

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