Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb with Tomato and Olive Ragout

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

Tender lamb shoulder slowly braised in a rich tomato sauce with olives and aromatic herbs, perfect for a hearty Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 200 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 2 lbs lamb shoulder and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until golden and browned.
  2. Step 2: Remove lamb and reduce heat to medium. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Add 1 cup water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return the lamb shoulder to the pot, cover with a lid, and place in the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lamb and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Discard herb sprigs and serve the lamb topped with the tomato and olive ragout.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb with Tomato and Olive Ragout 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 Mediterranean Lamb with Tomato and Olive Ragout?

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 Mediterranean Lamb with Tomato and Olive Ragout?

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 Mediterranean Lamb with Tomato and Olive Ragout 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 Mediterranean Lamb with Tomato and Olive Ragout?

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.

Related recipes