Cozy up to a warm and comforting bowl of lamb stew this season! With its rich flavor and tender texture, lamb is the perfect ingredient for a hearty slow cooker recipe. In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious and unique lamb stews that are sure to become your new go-to comfort food. From classic combinations like rosemary and thyme to international flavors like Moroccan spices and Indian-inspired coconut milk, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re in the mood for a straightforward slow cooker recipe or something more adventurous, these lamb stew recipes are perfect for any occasion. So grab your apron, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to indulge in a culinary journey around the world, all from the comfort of your own home.
Classic Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty stew is a perfect comfort food recipe for a chilly evening. Tender lamb, richly flavored by the slow cooking process, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of root vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the lamb in a skillet over medium-high heat; transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the slow cooker.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Moroccan-Inspired Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Apricots
Moroccan-Inspired Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Apricots
A fragrant and flavorful stew that combines the richness of lamb with the sweetness of apricots, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt and black pepper
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Transfer the lamb to the slow cooker. Add the onions, garlic, apricots, chicken broth, red wine, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Herbed Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Rosemary and Thyme
This hearty lamb stew is infused with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and thyme, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rich, herby aroma wafting from the kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 teaspoons)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb pieces, olive oil, onion, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
2. Pour in lamb broth and red wine (if using).
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh rosemary leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Spicy Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Harissa
This hearty stew combines tender lamb with the warmth of harissa, chickpeas, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a cold winter’s day, this slow-cooked meal is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 teaspoons harissa
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, onion, garlic, chickpeas, harissa, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour in lamb broth and water.
3. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Slow Cooker Irish Lamb Stew with Guinness
Rich and hearty, this slow-cooked stew combines the bold flavors of lamb, Guinness stout, and traditional Irish spices for a comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown lamb pieces, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add onion, garlic, Guinness, broth, thyme, and allspice to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
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
Greek-Style Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Olives and Feta
Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this hearty slow cooker stew, featuring tender lamb, briny olives, and crumbly feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, onion, garlic, green olives, Kalamata olives, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, olive oil, 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. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in crumbled feta cheese.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crusty bread if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Lamb and Lentil Stew with Cumin
This hearty stew combines tender lamb, nutritious lentils, and aromatic cumin for a flavorful and comforting meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups lamb broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, lentils, onion, garlic, cumin, and diced tomatoes.
2. Pour in the lamb broth, season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Kale
This comforting slow cooker stew combines tender lamb, sweet potatoes, and kale for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you need something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cups kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the lamb in a skillet over medium-high heat; set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine browned lamb, sweet potatoes, kale, onion, garlic, broth, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Mediterranean Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Tomatoes and Eggplant
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty slow-cooked lamb stew, richly infused with tomatoes, eggplant, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup lamb broth (or beef broth as a substitute)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker with the eggplant, tomatoes, broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Barley and Mushrooms
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of tender lamb, nutty barley, and earthy mushrooms, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an ideal meal for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the lamb in a skillet over medium-high heat; set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine browned lamb, mushrooms, barley, onion, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
3. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (Low) or 2-6 hours (High)
Indian-Style Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Coconut Milk
This rich and flavorful stew is a perfect blend of Indian spices and tender lamb, slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy coconut milk broth. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Brown the lamb in a skillet; set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the browned lamb, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Red Wine and Garlic
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of rich flavors and tender lamb, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking. With the depth of red wine and pungency of garlic, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 cups lamb broth or beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Transfer the lamb mixture, red wine, lamb broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lamb and White Bean Stew with Sage
This comforting stew combines tender lamb, creamy white beans, and fragrant sage for a deliciously rustic meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add lamb, beans, onion, garlic, and sage to a slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and white wine (if using).
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional sage if desired.
Persian Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Pomegranate Molasses
Experience the rich flavors of Persian cuisine with this slow cooker lamb stew, infused with the sweet and tangy taste of pomegranate molasses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the lamb with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
2. Heat the olive 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 chopped onions, minced garlic, lamb broth, and pomegranate molasses to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Peas and Carrots
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting slow cooker lamb stew, packed with tender lamb, sweet peas, and crunchy carrots. Perfect for a cozy evening in!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, onion, garlic, peas, carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
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 fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Butternut Squash and Spinach
Cozy up with this flavorful slow cooker stew that combines tender lamb, sweet butternut squash, and nutritious spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, butternut squash, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add diced tomatoes, spinach, and chicken broth.
3. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Orzo and Lemon
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Orzo and Lemon: A hearty and aromatic stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender lamb, flavorful orzo, and a burst of citrus from lemon juice, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb in batches, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the browned lamb, orzo pasta, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir in lemon juice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Dried Figs and Cinnamon
This hearty stew combines the rich flavor of lamb with the sweetness of dried figs, all infused with the warmth of cinnamon. Perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried figs, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Brown the lamb in a skillet with olive oil; set aside.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add browned lamb, dried figs, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and lamb broth; stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Artichokes and Lemon Zest
Savor the rich flavors of lamb, artichokes, and lemon zest in this slow-cooked stew that’s perfect for a cozy evening meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium artichokes, quartered
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, artichokes, garlic, onion, chicken broth, white wine (if using), and olive oil.
2. Sprinkle lemon zest over the top and 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.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew with Pearl Onions and Red Potatoes
This hearty stew is perfect for a chilly evening, combining tender lamb, sweet pearl onions, and creamy red potatoes. Let your slow cooker do the work as this flavorful dish simmers to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks
– 2 medium red potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 6-8 pearl onions
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb, potatoes, pearl onions, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Pour over the lamb mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Summary
Get cozy with these 20 hearty lamb stew recipes perfect for your slow cooker. From classic comfort food to international flavors, there’s something for everyone. Try the Moroccan-inspired apricot and spice blend, the Mediterranean tomato and eggplant combination, or the Indian-style coconut milk and cumin blend. Or, go traditional with a classic root vegetable strew or add some Guinness to give it an Irish twist. Whatever your taste, these slow cooker lamb stew recipes will keep you warm and satisfied all winter long.