General Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Legs

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

Juicy lamb legs roasted with a vibrant herb and garlic marinade, delivering a warm Mediterranean flavor perfect for sharing. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 120 minutes pairs bone-in lamb leg, extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 105 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade all over the surface of the 3 lb bone-in lamb leg, ensuring even coverage; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the lamb leg in a roasting pan and pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist.
  4. Step 4: Roast for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lamb from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does General Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Legs take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (15 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 General Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Legs?

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 General Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Legs?

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 General Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Legs 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 General Herb-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Legs?

Mediterranean 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.

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