Lamb in any form, whether a roasted leg, grilled chops, or a whole rack, make us think of the holidays or special occasions. Something about a beautifully cooked, fragrant dish of lamb with all the accoutrements around it gets a big crowd to stop talking about anything else but the gorgeous presentation before them, and for good reason. When cooked properly, lamb can be a juicy, tender, and memorable experience, and thanks to the natural flavor that comes from the fat in several cuts of lamb, there’s not much work to be done to deliver a perfectly delectable final product. Luckily, while lamb may seem like it’s strictly reserved for special occasions, it doesn’t have to be. A weeknight lamb dinner can come together with some time and a few simple ingredients for an impressive dish without all the pomp.
When preparing lamb, the most important thing to keep in mind is the cut of meat that you’re buying, which will determine whether you take it to the oven, grill, or skillet. For example, a cut such as a rump, leg, or shank are more fibrous, so a low and slow braise or roast in the oven or slow cooker will result in a tender piece of lamb. Lamb loin or ribs are more tender, so a quick cook on the grill or a hot cast-iron skillet works well, especially when spiced with a good marinade. Once you’ve picked out your cut of meat and determined how you’re going to cook it, it’s time to work on your flavors. Garlic, rosemary, and thyme are the trifecta when it comes to preparing a simple marinade that’s full of herbaceous flavors, but don’t feel like you have to stop there. Working with paprika and cumin for a more Middle Eastern flavor profile results in a more earthy profile, pairing perfectly with a lemony couscous and a creamy yogurt sauce. No matter how you decide to cook your lamb, with the right technique and care, you’re guaranteed to come out with a final product that seems way too good to eat for a casual weeknight dinner. Find your inspiration with our list of 19 tasty lamb recipes, and get cooking!
Lamb Chops with Garlic and Herbs
A classic herb and garlic marinade gives lamb chops a delightful flavor, and a pan-sear on the stovetop provides an unforgettable crust.
1h 00m 465 calories Easy
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Roasted Leg of Lamb
A slow roast in the oven delivers a tender, juicy leg of lamb full of herbaceous flavor.
2h 05m 350 calories Easy
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Lamb Stew
Uncomplicated and hearty, this one-pot wonder is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread for sopping up the flavorful broth.
2h 40m 480 calories Easy
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Lamb Casserole
Have a heaping helping of this old-school casserole then wrap up the rest -- this casserole tastes even better the next day.
2h 00m 400 calories Easy
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Classic Rack of Lamb
Seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and garlic, this elegant rack of lamb is perfect for entertaining.
1h 50m 300 calories Easy
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Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
Serve this Middle Eastern-inspired lamb dish with couscous, polenta, or rice pilaf.
6h 00m 440 calories Easy
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Shredded Lamb Sliders
Serve these lamb sliders at your next outdoor picnic or family get together to really impress the crowd.
6h 00m 340 calories Easy
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Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops
Garlic and rosemary are the classic flavoring agents for lamb chops, lending to a delightfully flavored marinade you’ll want to use over and over.
25 minutes 330 calories Easy
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Greek Lamb Chops
The traditional flavors of Greece appear in these delicious lamb chops by way of a marinade with olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic.
50 minutes 300 calories Easy
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Garlic-Herb and Paprika Roast Leg of Lamb
One hour in the oven delivers a tender, juicy roast leg of lamb that’s perfect for your next special occasion.
1h 25m 320 calories Easy
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Slow Roasted Lamb
Lamb shoulder cooks low and slow to intensify the flavor and turn the shoulder into a fall-apart tender final product.
11h 00m 570 calories Easy
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Sicilian Lamb
Tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic make for a bright, flavorful marinade you’ll want to use all the time.
1h 45m 860 calories Easy
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Greek-Style Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Feta Sauce
Butterflying the leg of lamb results in a faster roast and a more even cook throughout.
1h 30m 310 calories Easy
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Slow Cooked Lamb Shawarma
Wrap this juicy, fall-apart lamb shawarma in a warm pita or serve with a lemon herb couscous.
3h 40m 780 calories Easy
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Lamb Chops with Rosemary Gravy
Use the drippings from the garlic rosemary marinade to make a deeply flavorful gravy to serve over top.
1h 25m 300 calories Easy
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Tandoori Lamb with Hell's Fury Hot Sauce and Raita
The tandoori marinade is spicy, but removing the seeds from the jalapeno peppers can make for a more mild sauce that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
1h 40m 350 calories Easy
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Lamb Chop Dinner for Two
This lamb chop dinner comes together easily with a homemade pan sauce for a hearty and delicious meal for two.
1h 15m 400 calories Easy
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Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine
When choosing which cut of meat to use for this tagine, go for the lamb neck, which contains enough fat to keep the meat moist while also delivering plenty of flavor.
6h 00m 480 calories Easy
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Classic Shepherd's Pie
Swapping out ground beef for ground lamb makes for an even more savory, hearty shepherd’s pie that’s full of comforting flavor.
1h 10m 400 calories Easy
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