This Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb is a true treat for meat lovers! With tender, juicy meat seasoned to perfection, it’s a dish that fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma.
The best part? You can set it and forget it. Just season the lamb, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic while you relax. It’s a hands-off dinner that leaves everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Leg of Lamb: The star of the show! Both bone-in and boneless work well, but bone-in usually offers more flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you might try beef chuck or pork shoulder as alternatives.
Potatoes: I usually go for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes because they hold their shape nicely. If you’re looking to cut carbs, cauliflower makes a great substitute, but it’ll cook faster so keep an eye on it!
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch, but if you’re in a pinch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used instead. I love using lots of garlic in this dish for extra flavor!
Herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrancy, but dried herbs are just fine too! If you can’t find fresh rosemary or thyme, use about 1-2 teaspoons of the dried versions. Oregano can also work as a substitute!
Red Wine: The wine adds depth, but if you prefer to skip it, just replace it with more broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Searing the Lamb?
Searing is a crucial step to enhance the flavor of your lamb. It caramelizes the outside, adding delicious depth. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Pat the lamb dry with paper towels; this helps get that nice crust.
- Place the lamb in the skillet and don’t move it around too much—just let it brown for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Once browned, carefully transfer the lamb to your slow cooker.
Don’t skip this step! It makes a big difference in flavor. Plus, you’ll get those lovely brown bits left in the pan, which are full of flavor for your onion and garlic mix.
How to Make Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
Herbs and Liquids:
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1-2 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1-2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 cup beef or lamb broth
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious slow cooker leg of lamb takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll need to cook it for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This dish is perfect for an easy dinner or special occasion, so set it up in the morning and return to a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Lamb:
Start by seasoning the leg of lamb generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This step adds great flavor to your meat, so don’t skip it!
2. Sear the Lamb:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully sear the leg of lamb for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it gets a lovely browned color. This enhances the flavor and gives the lamb a nice crust.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Remove the lamb from the skillet and place it right into your slow cooker. This is where the magic will happen!
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until everything is fragrant and the onion starts to soften. This step makes sure your flavors are well-developed.
5. Add Potatoes and Veggies:
Next, add the potato chunks around the lamb in the slow cooker. Then, pour the sautéed onions and garlic on top. This way, you mix all those delicious flavors together!
6. Add Broth and Herbs:
Now it’s time to add the beef or lamb broth along with the red wine (if you’re using it). Finally, sprinkle the fresh rosemary and thyme on top. This will infuse the dish with lovely herb flavor.
7. Cook the Lamb:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the lamb should be tender and easy to shred.
8. Rest and Slice:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lamb and potatoes from the slow cooker. Allow the lamb to rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay juicy. Then, slice or shred the meat as you prefer!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tender lamb with the tasty potatoes, and drizzle some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over for extra flavor. It’s a cozy, delicious meal that’s perfect for sharing!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the leg of lamb with a shoulder cut, which is also great for slow cooking. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the size and type of cut you choose. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! Dried herbs work just fine. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried rosemary and thyme instead of fresh. Just add them to the slow cooker at the same time to infuse the flavor throughout the cooking process.
How Can I Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the meat seems dry, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover while reheating to trap steam and help keep the meat tender.
Can I Prepare This Dish the Night Before?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients and assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before. Just refrigerate it overnight, and then place it in the slow cooker to cook in the morning. This makes it super convenient for a hassle-free dinner!
