Lamb Shoulder with Apricots and Rosemary
A fragrant and tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with plump apricots and aromatic rosemary, creating a rich and satisfying dish that celebrates Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker (whole30) ready in about 495 minutes pairs bone-in Lamb shoulder, pitted Apricots, medium, diced Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 553 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, bone-in Lamb shoulder
- 1 cup, pitted Apricots
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tsp dried Rosemary
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cups Chicken broth
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the lamb shoulder with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the lamb for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, transferring to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp dried rosemary and 1 cup pitted apricots.
- Step 3: Pour the 2 cups chicken broth over the apricot mixture, scraping up any browned bits, and pour into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lamb Shoulder with Apricots and Rosemary take to make?
Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Shoulder with Apricots 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 lamb shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lamb Shoulder with Apricots 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 Lamb Shoulder with Apricots and Rosemary 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 Lamb Shoulder with Apricots and Rosemary whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many slow cooker recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
