Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Yogurt

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

Tender lamb shoulder slow-roasted with garlic and rosemary, served with a tangy herb-infused yogurt sauce that balances the rich meat flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 225 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, garlic cloves, minced, fresh rosemary, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Place in a roasting pan.
  2. Step 2: Roast the lamb shoulder uncovered for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the meat is fork-tender and pulling away from the bone.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber in a bowl. Stir well and chill until serving.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lamb from the oven, let rest for 15 minutes, then carve and serve with the chilled herb yogurt sauce spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 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-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Yogurt?

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-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Yogurt?

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-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Yogurt 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-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shoulder with Herb Yogurt?

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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