Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Aromatic Lebanese Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty lamb stew enriched with traditional Lebanese spices, slow-cooked until tender and bursting with flavor. This middle eastern-inspired lamb ready in about 135 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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: 120 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until deeply caramelized. Remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 1 large finely chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground allspice, and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return browned lamb to the pot along with 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth. Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring mixture to a simmer, cover the pot partially, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lamb Stew with Aromatic Lebanese Spices take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Lamb Stew with Aromatic Lebanese 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-Simmered Lamb Stew with Aromatic Lebanese 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-Simmered Lamb Stew with Aromatic Lebanese Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lamb Stew with Aromatic Lebanese Spices?

Middle Eastern 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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