Fragrant Moroccan Spiced Mince with Couscous

Transport your taste buds to the bustling markets of Marrakesh with this Fragrant Moroccan Spiced Mince with Couscous recipe. Infused with a warm medley of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika, this dish combines tender ground beef or lamb with plump dried apricots, a hint of honey, and rich tomato sauce for a perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile. Paired with buttery, fluffy couscous, this meal is a vibrant and satisfying option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a quick, flavorful escape to the heart of Moroccan cuisine. Perfect for lovers of hearty, globally inspired meals, this recipe is as comforting as it is exotic.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 500 grams ground beef or lamb mince
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 200 milliliters vegetable or beef stock
• 6 pieces dried apricots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 200 grams couscous
• 250 milliliters boiling water or stock
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or lamb mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over.

Step 5

Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and coriander, coating the meat evenly with the spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release their aromas.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well.

Step 7

Mix in the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable or beef stock, and dried apricots. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 9

Stir in the honey and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

While the mince is simmering, prepare the couscous. Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl and season lightly with salt.

Step 11

Pour the boiling water or stock over the couscous, stir quickly, and cover the bowl with a plate or cling film. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the butter until melted.

Step 13

To serve, spoon the couscous onto plates and top with the Moroccan spiced mince. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1842.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2306.7

Total Fat 153.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.6g
Cholesterol 440.9mg	0%
Sodium 4475.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 134.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 64.5g
Protein 102.4g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 391.2mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 3628.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.4%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 23.1%