Lamb and Quandong Slow Cooker Stew

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

A hearty slow-cooked Australian lamb stew enriched with the tart flavor of native quandong fruit and warming spices. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 440 minutes pairs quandong fruit, dried, large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 420 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown in batches for 4-5 minutes each until all sides are nicely seared. Transfer lamb to a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander; cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker with the lamb. Add 3 medium peeled and chunked carrots, 1/2 cup dried quandong fruit, 3 cups beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until lamb is tender and the stew has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamb and Quandong Slow Cooker Stew take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Lamb and Quandong Slow Cooker Stew?

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 quandong fruit, dried from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb and Quandong Slow Cooker Stew?

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 Lamb and Quandong Slow Cooker Stew 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 Lamb and Quandong Slow Cooker Stew?

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.

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