Slow-Cooked Lamb Kleftiko with Garlic and Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb slow-braised with garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs until meltingly soft and infused with fragrant flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 290 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, olive oil, garlic cloves, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 270 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder and insert 6 sliced garlic cloves into the slits.
  2. Step 2: Rub the lamb all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, and the leaves from 3 rosemary and 3 thyme sprigs.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb in a large roasting pan along with 1 large quartered onion, 2 bay leaves, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup white wine, and 1/2 cup water.
  4. Step 4: Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 4 to 4.5 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the lamb is very tender and falling off the bone.
  5. Step 5: Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the lamb to brown slightly on top.
  6. Step 6: Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before serving with the braising juices spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

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

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

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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