Slow-Cooked Lamb with Tomato and Mediterranean Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb shoulder braised slowly in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, cinnamon, and oregano, perfect for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch pieces 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 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 lbs of 2-inch cubed lamb shoulder in batches, browning on all sides for about 5 minutes per batch. Remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced onion to the pot, sauté for 6 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp dried oregano, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the lamb to the pot and pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup water or broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook slowly for 2.5 to 3 hours until the lamb is tender and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving with rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb with Tomato and Mediterranean Spices 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-Cooked Lamb with Tomato and Mediterranean Spices?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb with Tomato and Mediterranean Spices?

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 with Tomato and Mediterranean Spices 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 with Tomato and Mediterranean Spices?

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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