Italian Herb-Roasted Lamb with Regional Lemon and Garlic

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

Juicy lamb roasted with fragrant Italian herbs, lemon, and garlic, showcasing regional Mediterranean flavors in every tender bite. This italian-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 130 minutes pairs bone-in leg of lamb, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 110 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil into a paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub this herb mixture all over a 3 lb bone-in leg of lamb, coating evenly.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb in a roasting pan with 1 large quartered yellow onion and 3 chopped carrots arranged around it.
  4. Step 4: Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices and 1/2 cup dry white wine added after the first 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve lamb slices with roasted vegetables and pan juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Herb-Roasted Lamb with Regional Lemon and Garlic 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 Italian Herb-Roasted Lamb with Regional Lemon and Garlic?

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 Italian Herb-Roasted Lamb with Regional Lemon and Garlic?

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 Italian Herb-Roasted Lamb with Regional Lemon and Garlic 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 Italian Herb-Roasted Lamb with Regional Lemon and Garlic?

Italian 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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