Baked Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent lamb roast infused with garlic and rosemary, baked to tender perfection and ideal for a comfort meal. This Mediterranean-inspired comfort-food recipe (mediterranean flavors), ready in about 125 minutes, pairs bone-in lamb leg, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 105 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, make 12 small slits all over the 3 lb bone-in lamb leg and insert 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves into the slits.
  2. Step 2: Rub the lamb all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tsp salt, and 1 1/2 tsp black pepper, ensuring an even coating. Drizzle 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 135°F is reached for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (20 min prep + 105 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in lamb leg from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary?

Mediterranean comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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