Smoky Pan-Seared Lamb with Spiced Greek Yogurt

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

Ground lamb pan-seared with smoky paprika-infused oil, served with a tangy spiced Greek yogurt sauce perfect for warm pita or rice. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground lamb, smoked paprika, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 tablespoon smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant and oil turns deep red.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lamb is browned and cooked through with some crispy edges.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint until smooth and well combined.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the cooked lamb to a serving dish and spoon the spiced yogurt over the top or serve alongside. Enjoy with warm pita bread or steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Pan-Seared Lamb with Spiced Greek Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Smoky Pan-Seared Lamb with Spiced Greek 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 ground lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Pan-Seared Lamb with Spiced Greek 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 Smoky Pan-Seared Lamb with Spiced Greek Yogurt 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 Smoky Pan-Seared Lamb with Spiced Greek 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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