Homemade Apricot Beef
This apricot beef recipe is absolutely heavenly. Slow-cooked with tomatoes and spices until fork tender. A little zing of apricot jam takes it to its ultimate result. It takes only 10 minutes of hands-on work and the oven does the rest of the work. A perfect dish for busy days.
The kids are on summer vacation, so business is low. Many people are traveling overseas with the family. The weather is hot! I mean hot!! Sometimes you can’t step outdoors. Like 40 C. Yep!! And 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 cooking in the kitchen. 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 to eat what they have asked me to cook for them.
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. Have you tried my Slow Cooked Apricot Cranberry Chicken with couscous yet? Oh, you must try it! My kids favorite.
We often make couscous to go with this dish. And yet, steamed rice, mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta also work great.
About this slow-cooked apricot beef
This slow-cooked apricot beef is absolutely heavenly. It takes only 10 minutes of hands-on work, and then the oven does the rest. The slow cooking makes the meat fork-tender and melt 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 couscous 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.
Classic Apricot Beef, Slow-Cooker Apricot Beef or Instant Pot Apricot beef
I like slow cooking on busy days because I can plan ahead and organize my day. So, when I’m busy cake decorating, I choose slow-cooked dishes. Sometimes, I make the best use of my slow cooker, but then there are times when I’m not organized and need a quick meal. Then, I use my Instant-pot and make this in about 30 minutes
But, I have been making this apricot beef in the oven long before I got my slow cooker or instant-pot. Which is why I will share with you how to make this slow-cooked apricot beef – in the oven, the slow-cooker or the instant pot. I hope you will find it useful.
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 be fork-tender.
- 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 them makes sure they get completely dissolved in the dish.
- Apricot jam – I make homemade apricot jam, and yet 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 hot paprika. Otherwise, smoked sweet paprika will do. In addition to the flavor, paprika also adds a nice color to the dish.
Useful Tips and Tools
- In the interest of good hygiene, it is a good practice to always use separate chopping boards, one for the veggies and a separate one for the meat.
- A chef’s knife does a great job of cutting meats, while a utility knife works best for the veggies.
- And a heavy-bottom saute-pan or cast-iron skillet to saute the veggies.
- Slow cooker or Crock-Pots are easily available these days and quite affordable too. They make meal planning so much easier avoiding that last-minute stress of “what’s for dinner?” If possible, choose one that has the option to saute, so you can do everything in one pot including browning the meat. My only regret is that I can’t brown the meats or saute the onions in the same pot. By the way, the Instant Pot has a slow cooker option too and I’m pretty excited that I will also be able to use it for slow cooking.
- And, if you don’t have a slow cooker, a good quality Dutch oven does a great job of slow cooking on the stovetop.
- If you plan to cook it on the stovetop, but don’t have a Dutch oven use a heavy-bottom skillet that will endure the long slow cooking. You can also use a heat tamer or heat diffuser that you can place under the pan to distribute the heat evenly.
- Also, I like to use my wooden spatula to cook so I do not damage the surface of my pans.
- And, if you following a recipe it’s best to use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Read – 10 essential pots and pan to help you cook better.
How to Make Slow Cooked Apricot Beef or Crockpot Beef Recipe (Save/Pin)
Classic Apricot 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. It 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 the 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. It 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. It 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh apricots while delicious are not concentrated in flavor, so the sauce will be too runny. But, you can use 1 cup apricot sauce instead of jam.
Yes, you can add up to one cup raisins, currants, or cranberries to this recipe. The beef does benefit from the tartness of the cranberries.
Yes, you can use peach jam, fig jam or orange marmalade.
Yes, chicken works beautifully with apricot and slow-cooking. I have shared my delicious Slow-Cooked Apricot Chicken with you.
My kids love slow-cooked meat dishes with couscous or mashed potatoes, so today I served these with instant couscous which takes just five minutes to make.
If your not particularly fond of couscous this one goes well with so many other options. Serve it over a bowl of steamed rice, try my Skinny Mashed Potatoes or One Pot Vegetable Rice. If you are looking for a low carb alternative try Cauliflower Rice or my Turmeric Cauliflower Rice.
Some great vegetables to serve alongside this slow-cooker apricot beef would be some sesame quick sesame green beans, garlic Garlic Sesame Asparagus, Lemon Rosemary Potatoes or Roast Butternut Squash or Carrot Sticks.
No, you can make slow-cooked apricot beef in the oven as I have shown in the first method. You can also make it on the stovetop but it will take longer. I have given you detailed instructions for the oven, slow-cooker as well as Instant-pot.
What else can you make with fresh apricots?
- Homemade Apricot Jam without Pectin
- Apricot Crumble bars
- Homemade Apricot Creme Brulee
- Slow-cooked Apricot Chicken
- Homemade Apricot Flan
- Apricot Creme Caramel
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can also find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
Apricot Beef with Couscous
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Ingredients
For the Apricot Beef
- 900 grams (1.98 lb) Beef cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) All purpose flour
- 3 tbsp (3 tbsp) Olive oil
- 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) Onion chopped fine
- 2 cloves (2 cloves) Garlic minced
- 1/2 inch (1/2 inch) Ginger grated
- 2 (2 ) Bay leaves
- 1 (1 ) Cinnamon stick 1 large or 2 small
- 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp) Cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp (1/4 tsp) Cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp) Sweet or hot paprika
- 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) Apricot jam
- 400 grams (14.11 oz) Canned crushed tomatoes
- 250 ml (1.06 cups) Water
- 1/4 cup (1/4 cup) Parsley
For the Couscous
- 2 cups (2 cups) Instant couscous
- 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp) Salt
- 1 liter (4.23 cups) Boiling water
- 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) Cranberries Or
- 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) Fresh Pomegranate pearls
- 1/2 cup (1/2 cup) Parsley chopped
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.
Recipe Notes
- 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.
Recipe Video
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Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
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Brian Jones
I have some beef cheeks yearning for a good recipe and I am definitely going to use them in a spin on this, the flavours sound beautiful.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Brian. I think you will enjoy this one
Natalie
Looks so delicious and I love that flavors combination – I never tried beef and apricot together. Sounds amazingly delicious ♥
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Natalie. Beef and apricot is such a wonderful combination
Tayo
This looks so delicious! Can I replace the flour with another low carb flour or leave it out altogether?
Veena Azmanov
Yes, Tayo. You can use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for sure.
Noelle
Such unique flavors in this recipe, thanks for an outstanding dinner idea!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Noelle. Very delicious you must try.
Genevieve
This recipe was so delicious! Thanks, Veena – Definitely making this again
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Genevieve. So happy you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback
Genevieve
Well, this recipe sounds amazing! Such a creative idea too!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Genevieve
Tammy
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!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely, Tammy. I think you will really enjoy this one.
Swathi
This looks delicious love this perfectly cooked beef with apricot. This perfect dish for busy weekdays as slow cooker does the work for us.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Swathi. Absolutely.
Pavani
Apricot beef sounds absolutely delicious. It is such a comforting, hearty and lovely dish. Great to make for company.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Pavani. yes, very hearty and delish
Anne Murphy
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!
Veena Azmanov
I love the combination of meat and fruits Anne. You must try.
Mahy Elamin
I’m delighted with beef. Your recipe is a great idea for dinner. Wonderful colors and I am sure that the taste of this dish is exactly impressive.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Mahy. I hope you try.
Kylee
Apricots and beef is so rich and decadent! Perfect for super cold days! This looks AMAZING
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Kylee
Natalie
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.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Natalie.
Gloria
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.
Veena Azmanov
Me too, Gloria. Definitely a crowd pleaser.
Karyl Henry
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
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely, Karyl. Such a life saver on busy days
Cheese Curd In Paradise
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!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you.
Marisa Franca
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.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Marisa. We love our slow cooker too. The meat is always so tender and juicy
Lauren Vavala
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!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Lauren. You will love this.
Dianna
Wow, this apricot beef recipe sounds delicious. I am going to make this recipe tonight for dinner. Thanks for sharing.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Dianna. I hope you enjoy it.
Claudia Lamascolo
wow I love anything slow cooker since its so tender and the apricot flavor must make this over the top delicious with that sweetness
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Claudia. This is very delicious. You must try.
Platter Talk
I really like this recipe for it’s ease and flavors. What great pictures of the beef atop the couscous. Just beautiful.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much Dan –
Daniela Anderson
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.
Veena Azmanov
That is true Daiela.. very nutritious and comforting – Thanks
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I want to come to your house for dinner! This sounds amazing and your couscous looks perfect! I think that’s one of my favorite side dishes.
Veena Azmanov
You are most welcome Lisa..! So sweet. I love couscous too very much
Christina | Christina's Cucina
I’ve never seen such a combination of flavors, but then I’ve never been to Istanbul! Love that it takes no time to prep it!!( I think you made a mistake in the recipe card labeling it Italian, though.) Thanks for the recipe!!
Veena Azmanov
Yes it is middle eastern Christina.. Thank you for pointing it out. I will correct it. It should read Middle Eastern not Italian
Amanda | Chew Town
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!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Amanda.. it sure is packed with flavor. I love such comforting foods especially in winter. Thanks
Mary
I love simple meals like this for cold days!
Veena Azmanov
Me too Mary. Thanks
Edna Dias
Looks great .. My hubby loves apricots and I love beef , so its a must try !!
Saema Khan
Tonight this is gonna be dinner.. Thanks for the recipe Veena !!
Nigella Nunes
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