This lovely Instant Pot lamb stew uses Moroccan-inspired ingredients and spices and is cooked up with soft potatoes, carrots and peas for an incredible one-pot dish. Serve it with rice, couscous or quinoa, or low-carb cauliflower rice.
You don't have to travel to Morocco to experience its amazing, flavorful cuisine. Making aromatic, hearty tagines or stews is easier than you think; all you need is a few commonly found spices and ingredients like dried fruit, honey and nuts. Moroccan flavours lend themselves beautifully to both meat and fish, and they work well with plant-based protein options like legumes.
In today's recipe, we're swapping a traditional tagine pot with and an Instant Pot, and showing you how to make a fabulous Moroccan lamb stew right in your house. Filled with veggies like potatoes, carrots and peas, this one-pot dish is perfect on its own or you can serve it with a favourite side (see notes below).
This recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free and can be made Whole30 and Paleo-friendly.
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INGREDIENTS FOR THIS INSTANT POT LAMB STEW
Stewing lamb: you can use various cuts of lamb suitable for long, slow cooking such as diced shoulder, neck fillet, shank or breast. Mutton meat (from an older lamb) can also be used but will have a stronger flavour. Diced beef and even pork would also work well in this dish. More Instant Pot lamb recipes to inspire you here.
Spices: Moroccan recipes use a lot of spices, which is how you get those amazing tagline flavours, but if you don’t have all of them on hand and you don’t want to stock up your pantry with too many new jars, then feel free to buy a pre-mixed Moroccan spice blend like this one, and use 2-3 tablespoons instead. Dried apricots will still need to be added. For a Whole30 recipe, replace the dried fruit with diced 4-5 fresh apricots instead.
Vegetables: you can use pumpkin, sweet potato or other root vegetables instead of the white potatoes (especially if you want to avoid the white spuds for dietary reasons).
Garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro/coriander and scallions/green onions (both optional)
WHAT TO SERVE MOROCCAN LAMB STEW WITH
This Instant Pot lamb stew can be enjoyed on its own. It has meat and veggies in one dish, making it a well-balanced and nutritious meal. To buff it up, you can also serve it with cooked rice, quinoa or the more authentic Moroccan couscous. Couscous is particularly fast to make as you can often steep it in boiling-hot water for 5 minutes and fluff it up with a fork.
For a lower-carb version, make some quick and easy cauliflower rice or broccoli rice to go with this incredible tagine stew.
You can also make a side of green veggies or a green salad to freshen up this meal.
YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE INSTANT POT RECIPES
- Leg Of Lamb Stew With Dates & Cinnamon
- Instant Pot Rice Pilaf With Lamb, Almonds & Figs
- Moroccan-Style Instant Pot Chickpea Stew
- Instant Pot Greek Lamb Shoulder Roast
- Instant Pot Italian Lamb Shanks With White Beans
- 15+ Instant Pot Lamb Recipes
- More pressure cooker stews and braises here.
Rate This Recipe
Instant Pot Moroccan Lamb Stew With Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 onion medium, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic large cloves, diced or minced
- 1.7 lb lamb meat about 800 g, stewing lamb, diced into cubes
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander seed powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder optional
- 2 bay leaves optional
- 6 dried apricots
- 1 cup canned tomatoes about 200 g chopped tomatoes or cherry tomatoes in juice
- 1 cup beef stock or chicken stock
For the second part of cooking
- 1 celery stick diced
- 4 potatoes medium, peeled and cut into cubes
- 3 carrots medium, diced into chunks
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Zest of ½ orange
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and press the Sauté function key. Add the onions, olive oil, and salt and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring a few times, until softened.
- Add the rest of the ingredients (except for the vegetables used in the second part of cooking) and stir through well. While it might seem like you need more liquid, remember that the meat will release its own juices in the cooking process.
- Place and lock the lid, making sure the steam release handle is pointing to Sealing. Press the Manual function key, making sure it's set to High Pressure, and adjust the timing to 20 minutes. After three beeps the Instant Pot will begin to build up the pressure and start cooking. Once the cooking finishes, release the pressure naturally for 2-3 minutes before using the quick release to let off the rest of the steam. While the lamb is cooking, you can make a quick couscous or rice dish, or prepare some steamed vegetables on the side.
- Add the vegetables and orange zest and stir through. Place and lock the lid again, and set to Manual, High pressure, for 5 minutes. Once the cooking finishes, leave the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for 10-12 minutes and then use the quick release method to finish it off.
- Serve with a chosen side and fresh cilantro and scallions as a garnish. A little lime juice is also nice on the side.
Nutrition
SHARE THIS LAMB STEW RECIPE TO PINTEREST
Sharlene Weihers
This was DELICIOUS!! I was soo looking forward to leftovers the next day! lol It was just as good if not better the next day. Definitely adding this recipe to my favorites. Came together quickly and was full of beautiful flavor. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe, I will enjoy for years to come 🙂
Anonymous
So so soooooooo yummy! I use yams or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and add the peas at the end just to warm through and perfection every time! Every time I make this everyone raves about it and wants the recipe!
Ann Fabrizio
It's so nice to hear that it's a crowd pleaser!
Judy
very simple and yummy flavours, but it was a little overcooked. not sure where i went wrong? meat was a little dry and potatoes a little soft 🙂
Judy
I notice that on this and other recipes through instantpoteats.com, it allows you to change the serving size which updates all the quantities.... which is fantastic. Not sure if you realise...it does NOT update the Kg quantities... Lamb... etc.
Ann Fabrizio
Yes glad you found that feature on our newer recipes. We didn't have that HTML plugin for older ones.
allison
Hello! What would you recommend to substitute if Lamb wasn't an option? Could I use Chicken?
Instant Pot Eats
Beef would be the closest substitute, something like diced chuck steak, but you could also use diced chicken thighs here.
Lynn K
This is very flavorful. The directions are easy to follow and the outcome as good as if I had made this dish a dozen times.
Instant Pot Eats
Thanks, Lynn. Glad you enjoyed it!
Ariel Johnson
This is one of my staple recipes now! I love it and make it often. So easy to follow and very flavourful but mild enough that my kids like it too. Thank you!
Ann Fabrizio
Thank you for the feedback Ariel. Glad the kids like it too.
Deborah Barnard
Loved it, will do again
Karen
Hi, wonderful recipe. I was wondering if it's suitable to freeze after? Thanks!
Ann Fabrizio
Yes, you can freeze this stew, but the potatoes may not hold their density. It will still be tasty.
Samantha
My oranges went bad- can I use lemon for this recipe, or is it be too tart of a flavor profile?
Instant Pot Eats
It will be more tart but can still be quite nice, I would use a lot less that orange juice.
David
If I am going to substitute all the herbs with the moroccan spice, how many teaspoons do I need for the above recipe?
Instant Pot Eats
About 4 teaspoons or 2 tablespoons.
Jodie
First InsatantPot recioe I ever made. Used turnios in place of potatoes and dried cherries vs apricots because they were on hand. Directions were easy to follow and the resulting soup/stew was really delicious.
Instant Pot Eats
Thanks, Jodie. Glad you found it easy and delicious 🙂 Thank you for your comment!
Pooja
I have made this twice now, half the portion of meat and love it.
Can I use frozen lamb, or what's the timing if using frozen lamb?
Helene Tozier
I make this once every two weeks and my family loves it. I try to use lamb but when it’s too expensive I substitute beef and it is just as good. Did I mention how easy it is? Thank you for this little gem.
Dee
Ok did not plan to make Moroccan food for a week night meal but seeing that it could be done in an instant pot decided to try it. I didn't even have all the ingredients like an orange or enough cherry tomatoes , or enough carrots but unbelievably this came out delicious . Next time cant wait to have the broth over some couscous.
instantpoteats
Thanks, Dee. Glad you liked it and that it worked with what you had 🙂 Do try it with some couscous next time.
Pooja
Just made this, but used swede instead of potatoe and leek instead of celery. Also added green chilli. Only used 300g lamb shoulder. Tasted lovely
Aisha
I also want to make this recipe with less meat. Could you tell me please if you have used the same amount of spices or if you used half of the spices and half cup of stock? Thank you
instantpoteats
Hi Aisha, if you're reducing the meat and veggies by half, I would reduce the spices by half and stock by half as well. You could also reduce tomatoes slightly but it depends how saucy you like it. If you want to use less meat but the same amount of veggies, reduce the spices by a third and stock by about a half. Hope that helps.
Erin
Very flavorful and came together quickly.
instantpoteats
Thank, Erin 🙂
Melissa Dean
If I were to make this again, I would double the spice mix except for the chili flakes, marinate the lamb in the spices, saute it until browned, then continue as read. I found the dish too bland. It was good as lamb stew, but just not Moroccan lamb stew.
Yesterday
No one uses near enough seasonings
Instant Pot Eats
Seasoning and spice level is a very personal taste, everyone is different.
Carol Smythe
What a great dish. It came out perfectly. This is a keeper.
instantpoteats
Thank you, glad you liked it 🙂
Aminah F
I don’t see potatoes in the recipe. What type and when are they added? Thanks.
instantpoteats
Ingredients>> Second phase of cooking>> Find potatoes there. In Instructions, it's under 'Add vegetables' Hope that helps!
Victoria
Delicious recipe! Really loved how the apricots melted into the stew, and the spice blend is so good! Will make again if I buy stewing lamb in the future.
instantpoteats
Thank you, I agree about the apricots melting into the stew. It works really well.
instantpoteats
Super happy you enjoyed it, thank you!
Heather
Has anyone tried this recipe in a crockpot??
Samantha Wolff
Easy to follow and came out GREAT!
instantpoteats
Thank you, Samantha!
LCB
Outstanding recipe. Perfectly balanced in spice and flavor!! A must try.
Helene E Tozier
Just made this and it was spectacular. The blending of flavors was the best and the orange zest is absolutely necessary. I did substitute red potatoes and used more carrots and peas. I also added a slurry of 3 T cornstarch and water after the final release.
instantpoteats
Thank you! Cornstarch slurry would make it even thicker for sure. Good addition!
instantpoteats
Thank you, Helene. Glad you liked it.
Heather W
Hi, I am about to make the moroccan lamb stew, in the picture provided did you use chicken or beef broth?it looks so delicious, I would like to follow the same recipe.
I will post my results after our dinner 🙂
With many thanks!
instantpoteats
I think from memory it was beef broth but from a stock cube. Either chicken or beef will work great for this.
Nancy Cohen
Bought the pot the other day and this was our first recipe we made. Excellent flavor.
Kristen Kemp
This was fabulous and I have several more servings to look forward to! I used butternut instead of potato, homemade chicken stock, and I seared the lamb before I cooked the onions. This will be in regular rotation!
Kristen Kemp
Hello! Confirming I don't have to sear the lamb to start. Also, am I dicing the apricots, slicing them, otherwise? Thank you!!
Ann Fabrizio
Correct you don't have to sear the lamb. Apricots are up to your preference.
Maya
Delicious recipe! I replaced the potatoes with a butternut squash, worked out perfectly!
instantpoteats
Butternut squash sounds delicious and even healthier 🙂 Thank you!
Kathrin
I made this yesterday for our end-of-holiday lunch. AMAZING. So very tasteful and delicious !! Definitely to be repeated !!
Anne
This recipe was amazing! Didn't have any apricots but it was delicious without them. Thanks for sharing!
Isha
OMG!! This recipe was a huge hit in our home! Perfect for the Fall/Winter weather. Will be cooking this again and again!!
Tom Rice
The above recipe is the first try with our new pot. If I want to make this as a slow cook recipe in the morning and have it ready for dinner when I get home from work, how would I do that? What settings and times to use? thanks
instantpoteats
Hi Tom. You could cook on low for 8 hours for most meat/stew recipes using tougher cuts and hearty veggies.
Charles Murtaugh
Made this last night for Easter dinner - I wanted to serve lamb, but my kids usually won't go for huge slabs of meat so I figured a tagine would work better (and the Middle Eastern theme works for the holiday). It was a huge hit with the whole family. Such an amazing and complex flavor profile from the combination of spices and orange zest. I can't wait to have the leftovers this week!
One odd thing possibly worth noting: my Instant Pot shut down and gave me a "burn" warning during the second cooking section (the veggies), which I think means that it is worried that there isn't enough liquid and it is going to sear the contents. When I opened it, though, there was still quite a bit of liquid and nothing was burned. So I added about a half-cup of water and started it again, with no problems. Next time I will just go ahead and add the water with the veggies - it still came out nice and thick.
instantpoteats
Hey Charles, glad you you enjoyed it. I am curious why you got the Burn alert and if anyone else has experienced it. Good to know it was all okay with a little more liquid 🙂
Teresa S
The burn notice is from when you were sautéing, there was still food stuck on the bottom. Need to deglaze the pot nd all will work fine
Lera
Same thing happened to me!
Tonya
I like your recipe but I did a few changes. I used saffron and tumeric, instead of curry. It is just my Moroccan husband's preference. Additionally, I put the dried apricots in with the veggies at the end in order to keep them intact. Great recipe! Thanks!!
instantpoteats
Those sound lovely, Tonya. I love saffron in stews too, just don't always have them. Glad to hear you enjoyed it 🙂
CINDY GILMORE
Do you know if I wanted to double the recipe if it all would all fit into the InstaPot?
Would the cooking time change?
instantpoteats
Hey Cindy, I think for this particular recipe you should be able to fit double ingredients in the pot. I would increase the time by about 5 minutes.
Cindy
I ended up making it in 5 separate batches. I also used sweet potatoes in stead of russet. It was a big hit. I fed 25’people. Probably only needed 4 batches, lol
instantpoteats
Wow! I hope the entire party loved it!
Deb
What is a "brown" onion?
instantpoteats
A yellow onion in the US 🙂
Trish
Was wondering the same thing!
Justin Rigden
It's an onion that's brown.
J Barclay
No Justin, it's a yellow onion. Thanks for asking, Deb.
Laura Liquornik
When you say dice the carrots into chunks... Do you mean dice them or cut them into chunks?
instantpoteats
You can cut carrots to whatever size you like them in stew, medium-large chunks.
Hala El-Zimaity
I was wondering about the nutritional values broken down....thank you
instantpoteats
Unfortunately we don't provide nutritional information for our recipes.