Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb Stew with Tomato and Aromatic Herbs
A rich and hearty lamb stew slowly simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and traditional Greek herbs for deep, comforting flavors. This greek-inspired lamb ready in about 150 minutes pairs olive oil, medium carrots, sliced, garlic cloves, minced 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 (900g) lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large (about 200g) yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder in batches, browning each side for 3-4 minutes until deeply caramelized. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and sauté for 6 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 2 sliced medium carrots and 4 minced garlic cloves; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes until wine reduces by half.
- Step 5: Return browned lamb to the pot. Add 1 1/2 cups diced canned tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaves, stir in 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness, and adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Greek Lamb Stew with Tomato and Aromatic Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Stew with Tomato and Aromatic 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 Stew with Tomato and Aromatic 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 Stew with Tomato and Aromatic 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 Stew with Tomato and Aromatic 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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