Mediterranean 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean 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.
