Spiced Lamb Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A slow-cooked stew featuring tender lamb shoulder simmered with aromatic spices and hearty root vegetables for a comforting, rich dish. This middle eastern-inspired slow cooker ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, carrots, parsnips 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder chunks and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until caramelized. Remove lamb and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, and 1 cinnamon stick, cooking for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Step 5: Return the lamb to the pot along with 2 diced carrots and 2 diced parsnips. Pour in 4 cups beef broth, season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 2 hours until lamb is very tender and vegetables are soft.
  7. Step 7: Remove cinnamon stick, adjust seasoning, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lamb Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Spiced Lamb Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lamb Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Spiced Lamb Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Spiced Lamb Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables?

Middle Eastern slow cooker 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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