Bush-Spiced Lamb Stew with Quandong and Sweet Potato

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

Hearty lamb stew infused with native Australian bush spices and sweetened with tangy quandong fruit and roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting meal. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 90 minutes pairs 1-inch cubes lamb shoulder, diced, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 70 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 600 g diced lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot; sauté for 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground lemon myrtle, 1 tsp ground wattleseed, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups beef stock and add 1/4 cup chopped dried quandong fruit along with 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning if needed, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the stew, and serve hot with crusty bread or steamed greens.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bush-Spiced Lamb Stew with Quandong and Sweet Potato take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Bush-Spiced Lamb Stew with Quandong and Sweet Potato?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bush-Spiced Lamb Stew with Quandong and Sweet Potato?

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 Bush-Spiced Lamb Stew with Quandong and Sweet Potato for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Bush-Spiced Lamb Stew with Quandong and Sweet Potato?

Australian lamb 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.