Winter-Spiced Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

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

A hearty lamb stew infused with warming spices and root vegetables, slowly simmered to tender perfection for a cozy winter meal. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 505 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, carrots, diced, parsnips, diced 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: 25 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder seasoned with 1 tsp black pepper and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Brown the lamb in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander. Cook for 2 minutes until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Transfer onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker. Add 2 cups diced carrots, 1 cup diced parsnips, 3 cups beef broth, 1 cup red wine, and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until the lamb is tender and vegetables are cooked through with sauce thickened. Remove rosemary sprigs before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Winter-Spiced Slow Cooker Lamb Stew take to make?

Total time is about 505 minutes (25 min prep + 480 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 Winter-Spiced Slow Cooker Lamb Stew?

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, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Winter-Spiced Slow Cooker Lamb Stew?

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 Winter-Spiced Slow Cooker Lamb Stew 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 Winter-Spiced Slow Cooker Lamb Stew?

Mediterranean 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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