Slow-Cooked Lamb Kleftiko with Feta and Herbs

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

Tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked with garlic, lemon, and herbs, finished with crumbled feta for a rustic Greek feast. This greek-inspired lamb ready in about 290 minutes pairs pounds bone-in lamb shoulder, sliced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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: 270 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Using a small knife, pierce 3 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder and insert 6 sliced garlic cloves evenly throughout the meat.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme.
  3. Step 3: Rub the herb and lemon mixture all over the lamb shoulder, ensuring it is well coated. Place the lamb in a large roasting pan and add 1 cup water to the pan bottom.
  4. Step 4: Cover tightly with foil and roast for 4 to 4 1/2 hours until the lamb is very tender and pulls apart easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil and sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese over the lamb. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and roast uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the feta softens and slightly browns.
  6. Step 6: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving with pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Kleftiko with Feta and 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 Lamb Kleftiko with Feta and 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 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Kleftiko with Feta and 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 Lamb Kleftiko with Feta and Herbs 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-Cooked Lamb Kleftiko with Feta and Herbs?

Greek 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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