Veena Azmanov

Cake Artist and Food Enthusiast

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Slow Cooked Apricot Beef recipe with Couscous

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Slow Cooked Apricot Beef Recipe on Couscous

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to its ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes of hands-on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

BEST Slow Cooked Apricot Beef, Crockpot Apricot Beef, Slow Cooker Apricot Beef,

The kids are on summer vacations so business is low. Most people are traveling overseas with the family. The sun is hot! I mean hot!! Sometimes you can’t step outdoors. Like 40 C. Yep!! Yet; we love summer – don’t we? My Aadi loves summer because there is no school. He’d rather be playing soccer or basketball than sit doing homework. You know! Boys!!

Recently I’ve been a bit bored in the kitchen cooking. I always check with the kids what they feel like for lunch or dinner and that helps me plan my weekly menu. So while it helps the kids make the decisions; it also mentally prepares them that they have to eat what they ask me to cook.

But these last few days I decided not to ask them but to try and make things that I had on my recipe books. Recipes that I created but have not made them for the blog.

Apricot and Beef

The first time I tried apricot beef was on my travel to Istanbul. It was a gorgeous Slow cooked beef tagine dish with lots of apricots.  A bit too many apricots but I loved the idea very much. When I came back I experimented with a few chicken and apricot variations which were very delicious. One day, I made it with Beef. OMG!! We do love chicken too. Have you tried my Slow Cooked Apricot Cranberry Chicken with couscous yet? Oh, you must! My kids favorite.

We often make couscous to go with this dish but steamed rice, mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta work a treat.

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

BEST Slow Cooked Apricot Beef, Crockpot Apricot Beef, Slow Cooker Apricot Beef,

Slow cooking saves time!

I like slow cooking on busy days. Why? Because I can plan ahead and organize my day ahead of time. So, when I have to spend cake decorating, I choose slow-cooked dishes. Sometimes, I choose one pot baked casserole type of dishes that work well too. The best thing about slow cooked meals is that you do less work. The oven, stove top or the slow cooker does the cooking for you.

So while it tastes longer to cook, slow-cooked dishes can be a time saver. See the irony?  You can make them way ahead of time and you spend less time in the kitchen. A big blessing for me. Often I will get that Bolognaise recipe simmering on the stove top before I start cake decorating. When it’s time for the kids to get back from school; I boil the pasta and that’s it. Lunch is ready.

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

BEST Slow Cooked Apricot Beef, Crockpot Apricot Beef, Slow Cooker Apricot Beef,

This slow-cooked apricot beef is absolutely heavenly. It takes only 10 minutes of hands-on work and the oven does the rest. The slow cooking makes the meat fork tender and melts in your mouth. The apricots add a rich fruity flavor and complement the beef and spices really well.
Here I am serving it with couscous. In fact, I am using the instant version here. I’ve shown you how I make my couscous so it comes out light and fluffy.  You could serve it with white rice too!

Let’s talk ingredients and Substitutes (Save/Pin)

  • Beef – It’s best to use meats that work well for slow cooking. I use a shoulder or leg which is delicious and cooks to fork tender over time.
  • Onions – If you like a sweet taste to your meat use red onions. The apricot does add a tad sweetness so I used a regular brown onion.
  • Ginger and garlic – for me meat dishes have to have ginger and garlic. They add so much of flavor to the meat. Grating makes sure it gets completely dissolved in the dish.
  • Apricot jam – I make homemade apricot jam but any store-bought jam would work just as well. 2 tbsp does not sound like a lot but trust me it does add so much flavor.
  • Paprika – If you like spicy use add hot paprika or smoked sweet paprika will do. Paprika adds a nice color to the dish apart from the flavor.
This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

BEST Slow Cooked Apricot Beef, Crockpot Apricot Beef, Slow Cooker Apricot Beef,

Recipe – Slow Cooked Apricot Beef  or Crockpot Beef Recipe (Save/Pin)

Tools

T-fal Saute Pan with Lid, Nonstick Pan, 5 Quart, Black
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Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
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For the Apricot Beef

  • Beef – 1 kg  (2 lbs) cut into cubes
  • All purpose flour – 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil – 3 tbsp
  • Onion  – 1/2 medium (about 1/2 cup) finely chopped
  • Garlic – 2 medium -minced
  • Ginger – 1/2 inch grated
  • Bay leaves – 2 large
  • Cinnamon stick – 1 large or 2 small
  • Cinnamon powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Sweet or hot paprika – 1/2 tsp
  • Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
  • Apricot jam – 4 tbsp
  • Crushed  tomatoes -1 can – 400 grams or 10 oz
  • Water – 250 ml (1 cup)
  • Parsley – 1/4 cup

For the Couscous

  • Instant couscous – 2 cups
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – 1/2 tsp
  • Boiling water – 1 liter (4 cups)
  • Cranberries or fresh pomegranate pearls – 1/2 cup
  • Parsley chopped – 1/2 cup
This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

BEST Slow Cooked Apricot Beef, Crockpot Apricot Beef, Slow Cooker Apricot Beef,

Method:

Prepare Beef (Oven baked)

  • Preheat oven to 150 C / 300 F
  • Cut beef into large bite-size pieces. Season with Salt and pepper. Toss with flour and coat well.
  • Set aside for a few minutes.
  • Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute pan and brown the beef on all sides. Takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove beef from pan and keep warm.
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan, saute onion, garlic, and ginger for two minutes.
  • Add the Bay leaves, cinnamon, and beef back to the pan. Saute for two minutes.
  • Add the can of crushed tomatoes, followed by apricot jam, and lemon juice.
  • Add parsley, one cups water.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • When it comes to a boil.
  • Place pan covered in the oven and cook at 150 C / 300 F for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the beef is fork tender.
  • Halfway through cooking stir, check consistency. If too dry add some more water.

Slow Cooker Apricot Beef

  • Cut beef into large bite-size pieces. Season with Salt and pepper. Toss with flour and coat well.
  • Set aside for a few minutes.
  • Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute pan and brown the beef on all sides. Takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove beef from pan and add to the slow cooker
  • To the same pan – add remaining oil and saute onion, garlic, and ginger for two minutes.
  • Add the Bay leaves, cinnamon. Saute for two minutes.
  • Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
  • Then add the can of crushed tomatoes, apricot jam, and lemon juice to the slow cooker.
  • Followed by the parsley, one cups water.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until fork tender
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before you serve.

Instant Pot Apricot Beef

  • Cut beef into large bite-size pieces. Season with Salt and pepper. (do not coat with flour)
  • Set aside for a few minutes.
  • Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute’ pan and brown the beef on all sides. Takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove beef from pan and keep warm.
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan, saute onion, garlic, and ginger for two minutes.
  • Add the Bay leaves, cinnamon, and beef back to the pan. Saute for two minutes.
  • Add the can of crushed tomatoes, followed by apricot jam, and lemon juice.
  • Add parsley, one cups water.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Close the lid and steam valve of the instant pot
  • Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes
  • When done – release pressure naturally for 10 minutes
  • Substitute flour in the recipe for 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
  • Mix cornstarch in 1/4 cup water and add to the instant pot.
  • Cook for five minutes until thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

 

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

BEST Slow Cooked Apricot Beef, Crockpot Apricot Beef, Slow Cooker Apricot Beef,

Prepare Couscous

  • Place couscous in a bowl. stir in the olive oil well
  • Add salt to the boiling water.
  • Pour boiling water over the couscous. Cover with a lid and let sit for 20 minutes
  • After 10 minutes fluff with a fork
  • Add cranberries or pomegranate and parsley

Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

BEST Slow Cooked Apricot Beef, Crockpot Apricot Beef, Slow Cooker Apricot Beef,

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days.

Slow Cooked Apricot Beef with Couscous

This Apricot Beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow cooked until fork tender with tomatoes and spices. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to it's ultimate comfort. It takes only 10 minutes hands on work and the oven does the rest of the work. Perfect for busy days. 
5 from 23 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: Apricot Beef with Couscous, Slow cooked Apricot Beef Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Adjust Servings Here: 6 servings
Calories: 293kcal
Author: Veena Azmanov

Ingredients

For the Apricot Beef

  • 1 kg Beef cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp All purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Onion chopped fine
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 inch Ginger grated
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Cinnamon stick 1 large or 2 small 
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp Sweet or hot paprika
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 4 tbsp Apricot jam
  • 400 grams Canned Crushed  tomatoes (1 can)
  • 250 ml Water
  • 1/4 cup Parsley

For the Couscous

  • 2 cups Instant couscous
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 liter Boiling water
  • 1/2 cup Cranberries Or
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Pomegranate pearls
  • 1/2 cup Parsley chopped
Metric - US customary

Instructions

Oven Baked Apricot Beef

  • Preheat oven to 150 C / 300 F
  • Cut beef into large bitesize pieces.
    Season with Salt and pepper. 
  • Coat flour and coat well.
    Set aside for a few minutes.
  • Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute pan. Brown the beef on all sides.
    About 3 to 5 minutes just until browned not cooked.
  • Remove beef from pan, set aside. Keep warm.
  • Add remaining oil to the pan, saute onion, garlic, and ginger for two minutes.
  • Add the Bay leaves, cinnamon, and beef back to the pan. Saute for two minutes.
  • Add the can of crushed tomatoes, followed by apricot jam, and lemon juice.
  • Add parsley, water. Salt and pepper. Let come to a boil. 
  • Cover the pan and place in the oven.
     Cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the beef is fork tender.
  • Halfway through cooking stir, check consistency.
    If too dry add some more water.

Slow Cooker Apricot Beef

  • Cut beef into large bitesize pieces.
    Season with Salt and pepper. 
  • Toss with flour and coat well.
    Set aside for a few minutes.
  • Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute pan. Brown the beef on all sides.
    About 3 to 5 minutes just until browned not cooked.
  • Remove beef from pan, and place it in the slow cooker. 
  • Using the same Pan.
    Add remaining oil to the pan, saute onion, garlic, and ginger for two minutes.
  • Add the Bay leaves, cinnamon. Saute for two minutes.
    Then add it the slow cooker with the beef.
  • Add the can of crushed tomatoes, honey, apricot jam, and lemon juice to the slow cooker. 
  • Add parsley, water. Salt and pepper.
  • Cover the slow cooker -
    Set low for 6 hours to eight hours or on high for 4 hours or until fork tender
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before you serve. 

Instant Pot Apricot Beef

  • Add salt to the boiling water.
  • Cut beef into large bite-size pieces. Season with Salt and pepper. (do not coat with flour)
    Set aside for a few minutes.
  • Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a saute' pan and brown the beef on all sides. Takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
    Remove beef from pan and keep warm.
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan, saute onion, garlic, and ginger for two minutes.
  • Add the Bay leaves, cinnamon, and beef back to the pan. Saute for two minutes.
  • Add the can of crushed tomatoes, followed by apricot jam, and lemon juice.
  • Add parsley, one cups water. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Close the lid and steam valve of the instant pot. 
    Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
    When done - release pressure naturally for 10 minutes
  • Substitute flour in the recipe for 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. 
    Mix cornstarch in 1/4 cup water and add to the instant pot.
    Cook for five minutes until thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Prepare Couscous

  • Place couscous in a bowl. stir in the olive oil well
  • Pour boiling water over the couscous. Cover with a lid and let sit for 20 minutes
  • After 10 minutes fluff with a fork
  • Add cranberries or pomegranate and parsley

Chef's Tips

Note:
  • If you do not want to use the oven - make it on the stovetop. 
    Continue to cook on the stovetop stirring frequently (ever 10 minutes) until meat is cooked thru -
  • Takes about 2 hours on a low simmer.
  • Add water as needed to prevent it from sticking on the bottom.   
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooked Apricot Beef with Couscous
Amount Per Serving (255 g)
Calories 293 Calories from Fat 87
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9.7g 15%
Saturated Fat 2.3g 12%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.2g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 173mg 7%
Potassium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrates 28.8g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g 13%
Sugars 2.7g
Protein 21.8g 44%
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%
Iron 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Comments

  1. I really love the apricot jam in this…pairs perfectly with the spices. My mouth is watering thinking about how delicious this must have been! Looks superb, Veena!

    Reply

  4. Oh, I have to try this! I know in theory my mother in law used to cook meat with apricots, and I keep thinking I need to – and then forget. And that touch of sweetness will make it appealing to her, as well!

    Reply

  7. Oh that beef looks absolutely delicious. So flavorful and fantastic over that cooked couscous. I’m a huge fan of recipes like this one. I need to give this a try.

    Reply

  8. I love my slow cooker, especially this time of year. This beef recipe sounds delicious, and a great way to feed a crowd. The leftovers would be delicious, and I would even double the batch to tuck some away in the freezer for those days I don’t have time to cook.

    Reply

  9. I’m totally with you on the slow cooker…it is such a life-saver when you’ve got a super busy day. I’ve never thought to combine apricots with beef, but it sounds wonderful. I’ll have to give this recipe a try

    Reply

  10. I have not tried this type of recipe before, but the beef looks incredible and so tender. I love your story of how it was introduced to you as well!

    Reply

  11. We love our slow cooker — it works like a dream especially when we’re busy doing other things. And then the meat is so tender and juicy. Last think we made was a beef dish in it. We’ve never added anything sweet to our beef. The apricot flavoring sounds delicious and the beef looks so tender. It’s so cold outside I’m craving a good tender beef dish.

    Reply

  12. I was actually just wondering why some flavors are always used on chicken and pork, but not beef! This is one of them and I seriously can’t wait to try this! I bet it’s delicious!

    Reply

  13. Wow, this apricot beef recipe sounds delicious. I am going to make this recipe tonight for dinner. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  14. wow I love anything slow cooker since its so tender and the apricot flavor must make this over the top delicious with that sweetness

    Reply

  16. Beef and apricots sound like a winning combination. I do love eating beef occasionally too, and served with couscous, this is a brilliant dish. Not to mention that it is so nutritious and comforting.

    Reply

  19. I love slow cooked meals when the weather turns and this apricot beef recipe looks packed full of flavour, rich and delicious! I also love that you dressed up the cous cous – the addition of cranberries and parsley would pair beautifully with the beef!

    Reply

  23. This looks super yum.. I love the combination of apricots with chicken now its time to try apricots with beef. I’m sure its gonna taste great cos thats how much I trust your blog. Love your recipes

    Reply

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