Slow Cooker Herb Lamb

Featured in: Homemade Soups & Stews

This hearty dish brings tender lamb shoulder and an array of root vegetables together with fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Slowly simmered for hours, the flavors meld into a rich, aromatic broth. With steps including searing the lamb first and layering aromatic garlic and onion, the dish offers depth and warmth perfect for any main course. A touch of red wine and tomato paste balance the herbs and seasonings beautifully, culminating in a satisfying, gluten-free meal garnished with fresh parsley.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:50:00 GMT
Aromatic slow cooker herb lamb stew with tender vegetables and fresh herbs.  Save
Aromatic slow cooker herb lamb stew with tender vegetables and fresh herbs. | hazeldish.com

A hearty, aromatic stew featuring tender lamb, root vegetables, and fresh herbs, slowly simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth.

This slow cooker herb lamb stew quickly became a favorite in my family for its deep flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) boneless lamb shoulder trimmed and cut into 3 cm (1 inch) cubes
  • Vegetables: 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced 2 parsnips peeled and chopped 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced 2 celery stalks sliced 1 large onion chopped 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Broth & Liquids: 800 ml (3 1/3 cups) low sodium beef or lamb broth 2 tbsp tomato paste 120 ml (1/2 cup) dry red wine (optional)
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste) 1/2 tsp black pepper 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Other: 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat Sear lamb cubes in batches until browned on all sides about 5 minutes Transfer lamb to the slow cooker
Step 2:
In the same skillet add onion and garlic sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant Transfer to the slow cooker
Step 3:
Add carrots parsnips potatoes and celery to the slow cooker
Step 4:
Stir in tomato paste wine (if using) and broth Add rosemary thyme bay leaves oregano salt and pepper Mix well
Step 5:
Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until lamb and vegetables are very tender
Step 6:
Remove herb sprigs and bay leaves Skim any excess fat from the surface Adjust seasoning to taste
Step 7:
Ladle stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving
Rich, savory slow cooker herb lamb stew served with crusty gluten-free bread.  Save
Rich, savory slow cooker herb lamb stew served with crusty gluten-free bread. | hazeldish.com

Sharing this stew brought my family closer on chilly nights, filling the home with comforting aromas and happy memories.

Notes

For a thicker stew mash a few potatoes against the side of the slow cooker and stir well before serving Substitute sweet potatoes or turnips for parsnips if desired For a lighter version use lean lamb leg and reduce oil Pair with crusty gluten free bread and a robust red wine

Required Tools

Slow cooker (minimum 5.5L/6 quart capacity) Large skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens Check broth and tomato paste labels for hidden allergens or gluten if highly sensitive

Hearty slow cooker herb lamb stew simmered to perfection, garnished with parsley. Save
Hearty slow cooker herb lamb stew simmered to perfection, garnished with parsley. | hazeldish.com

This stew is perfect for making ahead and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.

Recipe Help & Answers

What is the best cut of lamb to use?

Boneless lamb shoulder is ideal as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked over several hours.

Can I substitute vegetables in this dish?

Yes, parsnips can be replaced with sweet potatoes or turnips to alter sweetness and texture.

Is red wine necessary for the broth?

Red wine adds richness and depth but can be omitted or replaced with more broth if preferred.

How do the herbs affect the flavor?

Fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves provide aromatic earthiness that complements the lamb and vegetables.

What can be done to thicken the stew?

Mashing a few cooked potatoes into the stew helps thicken the broth naturally.

How should I adjust seasoning after cooking?

After removing herb stems and bay leaves, taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Slow Cooker Herb Lamb

Tender lamb and root vegetables gently simmered with fresh herbs in a savory broth.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
420 min
Overall Time
440 min
Created by Isabel Grant


Skill Level Medium

Inspired By British

Makes 6 Number of servings

Dietary Details No Dairy, Without Gluten

What You Need

Meats

01 3.3 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

01 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
02 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
03 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
04 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 1 large onion, chopped
06 3 garlic cloves, minced

Broth & Liquids

01 3 1/3 cups low-sodium beef or lamb broth
02 2 tablespoons tomato paste
03 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

01 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
02 4 sprigs fresh thyme
03 2 bay leaves
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Other

01 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make It

Step 01

Brown the lamb: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb cubes in batches until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer browned lamb to the slow cooker.

Step 02

Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, then transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 03

Add vegetables: Place carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and celery into the slow cooker.

Step 04

Combine liquids and seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, optional red wine, and broth. Add rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 05

Slow cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours until lamb and vegetables are tender.

Step 06

Finish and adjust seasoning: Remove herb sprigs and bay leaves. Skim excess fat from the surface. Season to taste.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker with at least 6-quart capacity
  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Always reach out to a healthcare professional for help if you’re unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify broth and tomato paste labels for hidden gluten or allergens if highly sensitive.

Per-Serving Nutrition

Nutritional data is for general reference only. It shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Calorie Count: 480
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 42 g