Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lamb Stew is a rich, hearty, and comforting dish that’s perfect for colder weather or when you want a meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Tender chunks of lamb are simmered with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions in a savory broth seasoned with herbs and spices. This stew is not only delicious but also easy to make, offering a delicious one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
lamb stew meat (cut into chunks)
olive oil
yellow onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
carrots (peeled and sliced)
potatoes (peeled and cubed)
celery (chopped)
dried thyme
dried rosemary
bay leaves
tomato paste
beef or chicken broth
red wine (optional)
salt and pepper
fresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
- Brown the Lamb: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chunks in batches, browning them on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned lamb and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Deglaze the Pot: If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the browned lamb to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are fully covered. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season and Serve: Once the lamb is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or peas for added variety.
- Slow Cooker Option: To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the lamb and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
storage/reheating
Store Lamb Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot, or in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I use boneless lamb?
Yes, boneless lamb works well for stew. You can use lamb shoulder or leg for tender, flavorful meat.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with additional broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, Lamb Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I freeze Lamb Stew?
Yes, this stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
What should I serve with Lamb Stew?
Lamb Stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
Lamb Stew is a cozy, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want something comforting and flavorful. The tender lamb and hearty vegetables, all simmered together in a savory broth, make for a satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe to enjoy with family and friends, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!
PrintLamb Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lamb Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender chunks of lamb, root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy nights or special occasions, this stew is slow-cooked to develop deep flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb stew meat (shoulder or leg), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup parsnips, peeled and chopped (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth (or lamb broth, if available)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, and brown the meat on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and parsnips (if using) to the pot. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the beef broth (or lamb broth), red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the stew to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to help thicken the broth.
- This stew can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
- You can substitute the lamb with beef stew meat for a variation, though the flavor will be different.
- If you don’t want to use wine, you can replace it with an extra cup of broth or water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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