Oven-Roasted Lamb Kleftiko with Lemon and Herbs
Tender lamb slow-roasted in parchment with lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs for a rustic Greek feast. This greek-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, bone-in, cut into chunks, garlic cloves, sliced, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs lamb shoulder, bone-in, cut into chunks
- 6 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup kefalotyri cheese, sliced
- 3 bay leaves
- enough to wrap parchment paper or foil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, combine 3 lbs lamb shoulder chunks with 6 sliced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper or foil on a baking tray. Place the lamb mixture onto the center, add 3 bay leaves and scatter 1/2 cup sliced kefalotyri cheese over the top.
- Step 3: Fold the parchment or foil securely to create a sealed packet, trapping steam inside.
- Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 3 hours, until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 5: Carefully open the packet (watch for hot steam) and transfer lamb and juices to a serving plate. Spoon over the cooking juices and serve with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Lamb Kleftiko with Lemon and Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Oven-Roasted Lamb Kleftiko with Lemon and Herbs?
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 garlic cloves, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Lamb Kleftiko with Lemon and Herbs?
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 Oven-Roasted Lamb Kleftiko with Lemon and Herbs 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 Oven-Roasted Lamb Kleftiko with Lemon and Herbs?
Greek 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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