15 Lamb Recipes That Are Anything But Intimidating

For holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, and everything in between.

hot honey lamb meatballs
Photo:

Victor Protasio

Lamb is often reserved for holidays and celebrations, but it doesn’t need to be; rich and flavorful, lamb deserves a place in meat eaters’ regular cooking rotation. Ground lamb can be used for burgers, meatballs, and even a pizza topping, while cuts like lamb chops or a lamb shoulder can stand on their own. To prove its versatility in the kitchen, we gathered 15 of our favorite recipes featuring lamb, such as Grilled Lamb Flatbread With Feta and Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder. Keep reading for more easy lamb recipes. 

01 of 15

Quick Spring Lamb and Vegetable Stew

Easy Supper Ideas: Quick One-Pot Spring Lamb and Vegetable Stew Recipe
Quentin Bacon

This hearty lamb stew tastes like it’s been cooked for hours, but actually comes together in about 30 minutes. To complete this one-pot meal, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread to sop up every last bit.

02 of 15

Spinach-and-Lamb Meatballs

top view of six Spinach and Lamb Meatballs, one cut in half on white plate with a metal fork
Jennifer Causey

These lamb meatballs pack a nutritional punch thanks to plenty of spinach in the mix. Their bright, warmly spiced flavor comes from fresh mint, cumin, and cinnamon, along with a big handful of grated pecorino Romano.

03 of 15

Grilled Lamb Flatbread With Feta

Grilled Lamb Flatbrad
Caitlin Bensel

If you haven’t tried grilled pizza, with its burnished, crackly crust, this recipe is your sign to give it a whirl. Top with mozzarella, feta, spiced lamb, and thinly sliced red onion for a deeply flavorful pie, and finish with a scattering of chopped cilantro.

04 of 15

Baby Lamb Chops with Mixed Olive Relish and Roasted Carrots

Baby Lamb Chops With Mixed Olive Relish And Roasted Carrots

Jennifer Causey

Lamb chops might seem like an advanced cooking project, but trust us: they couldn’t be easier to make at home. All you need to do is sear the lamb chops for a couple minutes on each side, then let them rest for about five minutes. Jazz them up with a punchy dressing that includes olives, capers, and lemon zest, and serve with sweet roasted carrots.

05 of 15

Cheesy Lamb Burgers With Herb Mayo

Cheesy Lamb Burgers With Herb Mayo Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

Bored of regular beef burgers? Try these simple lamb burgers with buttery Havarti cheese, crisp lettuce, and herby mayonnaise.

06 of 15

Slow-Grilled Leg of Lamb

Slow-Grilled Leg of Lamb
James Baigrie

If you’re looking for a showstopper for a big event (Easter dinner, perhaps?), this slow-grilled leg of lamb is sure to do the trick. Make sure to marinate the meat in advance, so that it soaks up all of the flavors.

07 of 15

Hot Honey Lamb Meatballs

Hot honey lamb meatballs
Victor Protasio

These honey-glazed mini meatballs hit every note: sweet, spicy, bright, and rich. Make them for a pre-dinner nibble, and prepare to watch them disappear.

08 of 15

Spiced Lamb Meatball and Swiss Chard Stew

Spiced Lamb Meatball and Swiss Chard Stew in a Pot With Handles, and Another Portion in a Bowl
Roland Bello

This simple, nourishing stew has lamb meatballs, Swiss chard (both leaves and stems!), and orzo, for a little extra heft. A dollop of cooling, tangy plain yogurt is the perfect garnish.

09 of 15

Lamb Chops With Charred Asparagus

lamb Chops with Charred Asparagus
Caitlin Bensel

Sometimes simple is best, and that’s definitely true for this recipe, which highlights juicy lamb and fresh spring produce. Creamy yogurt and crusty, toasted bread are welcome accompaniments.

10 of 15

Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder is pulled out of the oven and served inside a blue dutch oven.
Antonis Achilleos

A slow roast is a foolproof way to cook lamb, and it can be done at home in any oven-proof, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. This rendition boasts a fennel seed crust and a sweet-and-salty sauce made with lamb drippings and brown sugar.

11 of 15

Grilled Lamb With Plum Mostarda and Blistered Shishitos

Grilled Lamb With Plum Mostarda and Blistered Shishitos Recipe
Greg DuPree

This recipe is totally party-ready, thanks to its gorgeous, colorful presentation and the fact that you can prepare some key elements in advance. The plum mostarda and blistered shishitos lend the dish irresistible sweetness and heat.

12 of 15

Greek Lamb Burgers With Baked Eggplant Fries

greek-lamb-burgers-0519din
Greg DuPree

These burgers have a Greek spin, thanks to a blend of lamb, red onion, feta, and a tangy cucumber-yogurt sauce. As a side, baked eggplant fries are a revelation with a crisp exterior and custardy interior.

13 of 15

Cumin-Lamb Stir Fry

Cumin-Lamb Stir Fry
Victor Protasio

This stir fry highlights cumin and lamb—a perfect match of flavors. Serve with steamed white rice and fresh cilantro, and you have a complete meal in no time.

14 of 15

Five-Spice Lamb Chops With Snow Pea Salad

Five-Spice Lamb Chops With Snow Pea Salad
Greg DuPree

Five-spice is a Chinese spice blend typically made with cinnamon, fennel seeds, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cloves, and it’s the magic ingredient in this lamb chop recipe. Marinated in five-spice, honey, and soy sauce, the lamb has deep flavor and pairs beautifully with a crunchy snow pea salad.

15 of 15

Instant Pot Lamb Tacos With Feta

instant pot lamb tacos
Caitlin Bensel

The Instant Pot is our secret weapon for tender, flavorful lamb with minimal hands-on work. These untraditional tacos include pomegranate seeds, feta, yogurt, and mint for a bright, punchy contrast to the rich meat. 

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