Description
A comforting and hands-off slow cooker lamb shoulder recipe that yields tender, juicy, and flavorful meat with garlic, rosemary, and lemon. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 to 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8 kg) lamb shoulder, bone-in preferred
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced (about 250 g)
- 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (kosher salt recommended)
- Optional: 2 cups chopped carrots and potatoes
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
- Pat the lamb shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper all over.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the lamb on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- While lamb browns, slice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Remove the lamb from the skillet and place onion, garlic, rosemary, and thyme into the slow cooker.
- If using, layer chopped carrots and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then nestle the lamb shoulder on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the lamb is fork-tender and falling apart.
- Carefully remove the lamb and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Remove herbs and vegetables from the slow cooker. Shred or slice the lamb as preferred.
- Spoon cooking juices over the meat before serving. Optionally skim excess fat or simmer juices to thicken.
Notes
Trim excess fat from the lamb shoulder to avoid greasy sauce. Browning the lamb before slow cooking adds depth and richness. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Cook low and slow for tender meat. Save and reduce cooking juices for a flavorful sauce. Add lemon juice at the start but extra lemon can be added before serving for brightness. Optional vegetables like carrots and potatoes can be added for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 460
- Sodium: 410
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 42
Keywords: slow cooker lamb shoulder, tender lamb recipe, easy lamb recipe, garlic rosemary lamb, slow cooked lamb, cozy meals, family dinner