Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic

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

Tender lamb shoulder slowly braised with fresh rosemary and garlic to develop deep, comforting flavors perfect for a hearty dinner. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, fresh rosemary sprigs, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Rub 3 lbs lamb shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat and brown the lamb on all sides for 8 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Remove the lamb and add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 smashed garlic cloves and 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, stirring for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup dry white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the bottom, then add 2 cups beef broth.
  5. Step 5: Return the lamb to the pot, cover tightly with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling apart.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, discard rosemary sprigs and garlic, and shred the lamb with two forks before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic 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 Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic?

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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic?

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 Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic 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 Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic?

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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