Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb and Tomato Stew with Herbs
Tender lamb chunks slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, cinnamon, and fresh herbs for a hearty, aromatic stew. This greek-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz (1 can) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches to avoid crowding.
- Step 2: Remove lamb and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Return the browned lamb to the pot. Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef or lamb broth, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring stew to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Let stew cook slowly for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh herbal note.
- Step 6: Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb and Tomato Stew with Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 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-Simmered Greek Lamb and Tomato Stew with 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb and Tomato Stew with 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-Simmered Greek Lamb and Tomato Stew with 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-Simmered Greek Lamb and Tomato Stew with 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.
