Rustic Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty lamb stew slow-cooked with carrots, potatoes, and aromatic Mediterranean spices, perfect for a comforting dinner. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes lamb shoulder, olive oil, large, chopped yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 3 medium, peeled and cut into chunks carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into chunks russet potatoes
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef or lamb broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, working in batches if necessary. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups beef or lamb broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Return browned lamb to the pot along with 3 peeled and chunked carrots and 2 peeled and chunked russet potatoes. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until lamb is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh herbal note.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Rustic Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Rustic Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Rustic Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Rustic Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables?
Mediterranean 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.
