Rustic Mediterranean Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh herbal note.

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.

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