Are you ready to indulge in a hearty, soul-warming dish that will transport you straight to comfort food heaven? Our Crock Pot Rustic Lamb Stew is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with family and friends. With tender lamb shoulder, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmering together for hours, this stew promises a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the best part? You can set it and forget it! Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to create this deliciously rustic dish that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the lamb shoulder into bite-sized cubes, ensuring that any excess fat is trimmed off. Chop the carrots into thick slices, dice the potatoes into cubes, and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the lamb on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Once the lamb is browned, transfer it to the crock pot. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the crock pot with the lamb.
- Add the chopped carrots and diced potatoes to the crock pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly covered. If needed, add a little more broth or water.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme and rosemary over the top of the ingredients in the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently to combine, making sure the herbs are evenly distributed.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the lamb to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the stew for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
- Once done, serve the rustic lamb stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your vegetables and meat the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge so they're ready to go in the morning.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the lamb adds a rich, caramelized flavor that elevates the entire stew. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to get a good sear.
- Layering Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the crock pot, layer them in this order: lamb on the bottom, followed by onions and garlic, then the root vegetables, and finally the broth. This helps in even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Season Gradually: Start with a light hand on the salt and pepper. You can always adjust the seasoning at the end after the flavors have developed during cooking.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, consider adding a slurry of cornstarch and cold water towards the end of cooking, and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your stew with a side of crusty bread or over fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious broth. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a lovely garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
