Slow-Cooked Australian Lamb Rissoles with Herbs

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

Tender lamb meatballs infused with fresh herbs, slowly cooked to juicy perfection, a traditional Aussie comfort food. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 290 minutes pairs ground lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 270 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground lamb, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized oval rissoles about 2 inches long.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook the rissoles for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and crisp on the outside.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the browned rissoles to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the lamb is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with mashed potatoes or your choice of sides.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Australian Lamb Rissoles with Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 290 minutes (20 min prep + 270 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-Cooked Australian Lamb Rissoles with 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 ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Australian Lamb Rissoles with 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 Slow-Cooked Australian Lamb Rissoles with Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Cooked Australian Lamb Rissoles with Herbs?

Australian 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.