Outback Lamb Stew with Bush Tomato and Quandong
Hearty slow-cooked lamb stew enriched with Australian bush tomatoes and sweet quandong fruits, creating a unique balance of savory and tangy flavors. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 medium, sliced carrots
- 2, sliced celery stalks
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped bush tomatoes (dried or fresh)
- 1/3 cup chopped quandong fruits (dried or fresh)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder in batches, browning all sides for about 5 minutes per batch. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup chopped bush tomatoes, and 1/3 cup chopped quandong fruits. Cook for 2 minutes to release flavors.
- Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 1 cup red wine. Add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until lamb is tender and stew has thickened. Remove rosemary sprigs before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Outback Lamb Stew with Bush Tomato and Quandong take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Outback Lamb Stew with Bush Tomato and Quandong?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Outback Lamb Stew with Bush Tomato and Quandong?
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 Outback Lamb Stew with Bush Tomato and Quandong 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 Outback Lamb Stew with Bush Tomato and Quandong?
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.