Ground Lamb Seco with Cilantro and Lime

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

A simplified Peruvian stew featuring ground lamb simmered with fresh cilantro and lime for a vibrant, aromatic weeknight meal. This latin american-inspired lamb (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground lamb, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small diced green bell pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until spices release aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground lamb, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until lamb is browned and no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup beef broth and 1/2 cup water, bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until liquid reduces slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, seasoning with extra salt if needed. Serve hot over rice or quinoa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ground Lamb Seco with Cilantro and Lime take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Ground Lamb Seco with Cilantro and Lime?

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 ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ground Lamb Seco with Cilantro and Lime?

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 Ground Lamb Seco with Cilantro and Lime 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.

Is Ground Lamb Seco with Cilantro and Lime gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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