Slow-Cooked Braised Lamb with Spice Blend

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

Tender lamb braised slowly in a robust regional spice blend to highlight localized flavors with a warm, aromatic profile. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 165 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear the lamb for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Remove the lamb and add 1 large diced onion to the pot, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, then stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp regional spice blend, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Pour in 2 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
  4. Step 4: Return lamb to the pot, add 2 sliced medium carrots, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 2.5 hours until the lamb is fall-apart tender.
  5. Step 5: Finish by sprinkling 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the braise, adjusting seasoning as needed, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Braised Lamb with Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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 Braised Lamb with Spice Blend?

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 bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Braised Lamb with Spice Blend?

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 Braised Lamb with Spice Blend 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 Braised Lamb with Spice Blend?

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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