Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent leg of lamb roasted with fresh garlic and rosemary, delivering a fragrant and tender main dish perfect for family celebrations. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 130 minutes pairs bone-in leg of lamb, chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, 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: 110 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon zest to create an herb paste.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 5 lbs bone-in leg of lamb and rub the herb paste all over the surface, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes to develop a crust, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
  4. Step 4: Continue roasting uncovered for an additional 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 135°F for medium-rare.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Optionally, pour 1/2 cup dry white wine into the pan juices and scrape the pan to make a simple sauce to serve alongside.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (20 min prep + 110 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 Herb-Roasted Leg of 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 leg of lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Leg of 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 Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary?

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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