As the days grow shorter and the nights grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, comforting meal that’s been simmering away in your slow cooker all day. And what better protein to feature than tender, flavorful lamb? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for some new ideas to add to your repertoire, we’ve got you covered with these 20 savory lamb crock pot recipes. From classic stews and braises to international-inspired dishes and comforting casseroles, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lamb Stew
Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty and aromatic stew, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, olive oil, paprika, and oregano.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Crock Pot Lamb Shanks with Red Wine Sauce
A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening, this recipe combines tender lamb shanks with rich red wine sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb shanks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
2. In a Crock Pot, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
3. Add the lamb shanks to the Crock Pot, making sure they’re covered with the sauce.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Herbed Lamb Shoulder with Root Vegetables
This hearty dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of tender lamb, aromatic herbs, and sweet root vegetables will satisfy your senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 lamb shoulder (about 2 lbs), bone-in
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the lamb shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the sliced carrot, parsnip, and cubed potatoes around the lamb shoulder in a large roasting pan.
5. Roast for 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Tagine
A classic Moroccan dish, this tagine is slow-cooked to perfection, filling your kitchen with the aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and cumin. This hearty lamb stew is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large clay or ceramic tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until the lamb is tender.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Greek-Style Lamb and Orzo Casserole
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this hearty, flavorful casserole that combines tender lamb, creamy orzo, and a blend of Mediterranean spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked orzo pasta
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook lamb, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
3. Stir in orzo, diced tomatoes, feta, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lamb and Lentil Slow Cooker Curry
A flavorful and nutritious curry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and simmered all day, resulting in tender lamb and creamy lentils.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, lentils, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt.
2. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Season with pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Garlic Rosemary Lamb Roast in Crock Pot
Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday dinner, this Garlic Rosemary Lamb Roast is an easy and impressive main course. The slow cooking process tenderizes the lamb to perfection, while the aromatic flavors of garlic and rosemary fill your kitchen with savory goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound boneless leg of lamb
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and olive oil.
3. Place the lamb in the crock pot and spread the garlic-olive oil mixture evenly over the surface of the lamb.
4. Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the lamb.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
6. Remove the lamb from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Spicy Harissa Lamb Stew with Chickpeas
This hearty stew combines the bold flavors of North African cuisine with the comfort of a warm, one-pot meal. Rich lamb and chickpeas are infused with the spicy kick of harissa, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup harissa paste
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups lamb or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in harissa paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add chickpeas, broth, and browned lamb back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lamb is tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow Cooked Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle
Slow Cooked Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle: A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12 ounces pappardelle pasta
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb pieces, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
3. Pour the mixture over the lamb in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions. Serve the lamb ragu over the pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Lamb and Barley Soup with Fresh Herbs
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty and aromatic soup featuring tender lamb, nutty barley, and a burst of fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a comforting lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, broth, barley, thyme, parsley, and mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the lamb is tender and the barley is cooked.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Crock Pot Lamb Vindaloo
Experience the bold flavors of Indian cuisine with this easy-to-make Crock Pot Lamb Vindaloo recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the Crock Pot, combine lamb, onion, garlic, ghee, cumin, curry powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Add diced tomatoes and lamb broth.
3. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Lamb and Potato Irish Stew
Hearty and comforting, this lamb and potato stew is a perfect dish for a chilly evening or special occasion. With tender chunks of lamb and creamy potatoes, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or shank, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups lamb broth or beef broth
– 1/4 cup butter
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually stir in broth and bring to a boil.
6. Return lamb to pot, cover, and simmer until meat is tender, about 2 hours.
7. Stir in potatoes; continue to simmer until they’re cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Persian Lamb and Apricot Slow Cooker Dish
This hearty slow cooker dish combines tender lamb with sweet apricots and aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy evening meal. With minimal effort required, this recipe is ideal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the lamb with salt, pepper, and spices.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; brown the lamb on all sides (about 5 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add the onion, garlic, apricots, honey, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce
A flavorful and savory take on traditional meatballs, this recipe combines the rich taste of lamb with the brightness of tomato basil sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine lamb, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, heat crushed tomatoes and garlic in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in chopped basil.
6. Once meatballs are done, add them to the tomato sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Slow Cooker Lamb Biryani
This recipe is a twist on the classic Indian dish, biryani, made with tender lamb, flavorful spices, and aromatic basmati rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this slow cooker version requires minimal effort but yields impressive results.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 cups basmati rice
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric.
2. Add rice, salt, and water to the slow cooker.
3. Mix well and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in oil just before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Lamb and White Bean Cassoulet
This classic French-inspired casserole combines tender lamb with creamy white beans and rich aromatics, perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in cannellini beans, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return lamb to the pot, cover, and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until lamb is tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto in Crock Pot
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy and aromatic recipe for lamb chops cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops (6-8 pieces)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine mint leaves, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Place lamb chops in the slow cooker. Pour the mint pesto over the lamb.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Lamb and Eggplant Moussaka-Style Casserole
Lamb and Eggplant Moussaka-Style Casserole
This casserole is a creative twist on the classic Greek dish, moussaka. By substituting lamb for beef and adding eggplant, we’ve created a flavorful and hearty recipe perfect for a cold winter’s night.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook the lamb over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the eggplant slices and cook until they start to soften.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked lamb, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Create layers of the lamb mixture, eggplant slices, and crushed tomatoes in that order. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of tomato sauce on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve with cooked pasta or rice, if desired.
Slow Cooker Lamb Pho with Rice Noodles
Savor the bold flavors of Vietnam’s national dish in a comforting slow cooker version, featuring tender lamb and springy rice noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 star anise pod
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro), bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili sauce for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, beef broth, water, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
4. Strain the lamb mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into bowls; discard solids.
5. Serve hot with cooked noodles and garnish with desired herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Lamb and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the rich flavor of lamb with the nutrient-packed goodness of spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook lamb over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Stuff each pepper with the lamb mixture and top with a tablespoon of olive oil.
7. Place peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Cozy up on chilly nights with these 20 savory lamb crock pot recipes. From Mediterranean stews to spicy curries, there’s something for every taste and cultural flair. Classics like slow cooker lamb shanks with red wine sauce and herbed lamb shoulder with root vegetables are joined by international inspirations like Moroccan spiced lamb tagine and Persian lamb and apricot slow cooker dish. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting casseroles or hearty stews, these recipes will keep you warm and satisfied all season long.