Classic lamb stew is loaded with hearty, healthy ingredients. This lamb stew recipe is simple (a one-pot meal!) and perfect for special occasions (think Easter!). Baking the stew in the oven makes the tender lamb morsels and root vegetables just melt in your mouth. Learn how to make traditional lamb stew. | natashaskitchen.com

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The lamb morsels in this Lamb Stew just melt in your mouth and so do the potatoes. This recipe is uncomplicated (a one-pot meal!) and it simmers in the oven for awhile so every bite is completely delicious. The lengthy (and care free) baking time creates a most satisfying broth consistency. Even if you have no clue what the old days were like, this lamb stew will take you there!

My 2 and 8-year old kiddos both loved this lamb stew (which shocked me because they love their usuals like Mom’s meatball soup and borscht). They both asked for refills! I was beaming of course because this lamb stew recipe is loaded with healthy ingredients and my family was was gobbling it up with such satisfaction. It’s a winner, especially for special occasions, like Easter!

Ingredients for Lamb Stew Recipe:

This hearty lamb stew is a meal in itself and so satisfying! This lamb stew recipe is a close relative to our beef stew recipe (a reader favorite!). We turned it into a one-pot recipe so it is easier and a little heartier with more potatoes. We also experimented making it gluten free and we were all so impressed with the results.

Classic lamb stew is loaded with hearty, healthy ingredients. This lamb stew recipe is simple (a one-pot meal!) and perfect for special occasions (think Easter!). Baking the stew in the oven makes the tender lamb morsels and root vegetables just melt in your mouth. Learn how to make traditional lamb stew.

Gluten Free Substitution: I have tested this with this gluten free flour and it worked wonderfully.

How to Make Easy Lamb Stew:

1. In a large dutch oven pot, saute chopped bacon over medium heat until golden brown and fat is released. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.

2. While bacon cooks, season trimmed and chopped lamb pieces with 1/2 Tbsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup flour. Toss to combine and coat the meat in flour. Cook the lamb in 2 batches in hot bacon grease over medium heat until browned (3-4 minutes per side) then remove to the same plate with bacon.

Four photos two of marinated lamb and two of a dutch oven with lamb cooking

3. Add diced onion and sauté 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another minute, stirring constantly. Add 1 1/2 cups wine, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Add thickly sliced mushrooms, bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes uncovered. Preheat Oven to 325 degrees F.

Four photos of lamb stew cooking in a dutch oven

4. Return bacon and lamb back to the pot then add 4 cups broth, 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme and 2 bay leaves. Add potatoes and carrots then stir to combine (potatoes should be mostly submerged in liquid. Bring to a boil then cover with lid and carefully transfer to preheated oven at 325˚F for 1 hour and 45 minutes. When done, potatoes will be easily pierced and lamb will be very tender. For a lower fat stew, spoon out any excess oil at the surface of the stew.

Four photos of lamb stew cooking in a dutch oven

Serve with soft crusty bread to soak up that broth which is loaded with amazing flavor!

Classic lamb stew is loaded with hearty, healthy ingredients. This lamb stew recipe is simple (a one-pot meal!) and perfect for special occasions (think Easter!). Baking the stew in the oven makes the tender lamb morsels and root vegetables just melt in your mouth. Learn how to make traditional lamb stew.

Explore our Most Popular Stew Recipes:

Lamb Stew Recipe

4.99 from 589 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
This lamb stew is loaded with hearty, healthy ingredients. This lamb stew recipe is simple (a one-pot meal!) The lengthy simmering time in the oven makes the tender lamb morsels and vegetables just melt in your mouth. 
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 people
  • 4 oz bacon, (4 strips, chopped into 1/4" strips)
  • 2 lbs boneless leg of lamb or lamb shoulder, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1 1/2" pieces
  • 1/2 Tbsp sea salt for the lamb plus 1 tsp for stew
  • 1 tsp black pepper for lamb plus 1/2 tsp for stew
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten free flour*
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups good red wine, *
  • 1 lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced
  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth or stock
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 lbs small yellow potatoes, halved or quartered into 1" pieces
  • 4 medium carrots, 10 oz, peeled and cut into 1/2" thick pieces
  • 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • In a 5Qt dutch oven, saute chopped bacon over medium heat until browned and fat released. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a large plate.
  • While bacon cooks, season lamb pieces with 1/2 Tbsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup flour and toss to coat. Cook lamb in 2 batches in hot bacon grease over medium heat until browned (3-4 min per side) then transfer to the plate with bacon.
  • Add diced onion and sauté 2 min. Add garlic and cook another minute, stirring constantly. Add 1 1/2 cups wine, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Add sliced mushrooms, bring to simmer then cook uncovered 10 min. Preheat Oven to 325˚F.
  • Return bacon and lamb to pot and add 4 cups broth, 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme and 2 bay leaves. Stir in potatoes and carrots, making sure potatoes are mostly submerged in liquid. Bring to a boil then COVER and carefully transfer to preheated oven at 325˚F for 1 hr and 45 min. When done, potatoes and lamb will be very tender.**

Notes

*We used the wine "Soft Red" by Ste Chappell. A Pinot Noir would also work well. 
** For reduced fat stew, spoon out any excess oil from the surface when it comes out of the oven.

Nutrition Per Serving

481kcal Calories22g Carbs28g Protein27g Fat11g Saturated Fat82mg Cholesterol1276mg Sodium1234mg Potassium4g Fiber3g Sugar5285IU Vitamin A17.1mg Vitamin C67mg Calcium5.6mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Lamb Stew Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
481
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
27
g
42
%
Saturated Fat
 
11
g
69
%
Cholesterol
 
82
mg
27
%
Sodium
 
1276
mg
55
%
Potassium
 
1234
mg
35
%
Carbohydrates
 
22
g
7
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
28
g
56
%
Vitamin A
 
5285
IU
106
%
Vitamin C
 
17.1
mg
21
%
Calcium
 
67
mg
7
%
Iron
 
5.6
mg
31
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lamb Stew
Skill Level: Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 481
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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Q: Are you cooking up any special Easter recipes?

Is lamb typically on the menu for you? I’d love to hear about your Easter dinner traditions!

4.99 from 589 votes (332 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Lexi
    May 29, 2020

    I had gotten some local raised lamb chunks and had no idea what I was going to make with it, then I found this recipe and we absolutely loved it. Easy, and delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 29, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed that Lexi! Thank you for that wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Alasdair
    May 21, 2020

    I made this for my girlfriend who loves lamb stew. This was the first time I’ve ever made stew and it was surprisingly simple and my girlfriend absolutely loved it.

    Would recommend this recipe to everyone

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 21, 2020

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review Alasdair!

      Reply

  • Adam
    May 18, 2020

    Tried this and it came out perfect. The left overs Tasted even better The next day. Many thanks. Adan. Uk

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 18, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Suzanne
    May 13, 2020

    Would leaving the mushrooms out completely change the taste of this? If so, is there an acceptable substitute for the mushrooms? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 13, 2020

      Hi Suzanne, I always make it with the mushrooms but my readers have reported good results omitting the mushrooms. Diane wrote: “This is the best beef stew I have ever made. My husband agrees but prefers that I leave out the mushrooms. But I also throw in some frozen peas instead.” I hope that helps.

      Reply

      • Nasrin
        October 3, 2020

        Hi, this recipe looks great, going to try it soon.

        I don’t own an oven-safe dutch oven / casserole pot. After cooking on the stove, can I transfer the stew to a casserole dish covered with foil, and place in oven to complete cooking for the required time?

        Thank so much
        Nasrin

        Reply

        • Natasha
          October 8, 2020

          Hi Nasrin, yes that would work, but you can also leave it simmering on low heat on the stove, just check on it periodically so it doesn’t scorch at the bottom.

          Reply

  • Darren
    May 13, 2020

    Followed your recipe to a T and now I don’t know why I had not made this before . So delicious and hearty. Simple & easy to follow instructions that produce amazing results! I’m definitely going to add this dish to my Winter repertoire. Thx Nat

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 13, 2020

      That is so awesome to hear Darren! Thanks for giving this recipe excellent feedback.

      Reply

  • Karena Curran
    May 4, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    Can you make this recipe with lamb shoulder?
    Karena

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 4, 2020

      That should work too, Karena. Please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Brittainy
    May 1, 2020

    I had some frozen lamb stew meat from my farm box and had to adapt this recipe for things I had on hand. Subbed the red wine with half natural cranberry juice and half beef broth, used sweet and yellow potatoes, and didn’t have bacon (so sad). Added chopped kale in the last 40 minutes in the oven. This is the most amazingly tender and hearty stews I’ve ever made. 20/10 stars.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 1, 2020

      Thank you for sharing those tips and changes with us Brittainy!

      Reply

    • Mike
      May 3, 2020

      I often substitute red wine for natural cranberry juice in the morning.

      Reply

      • Kat
        May 19, 2020

        Perfect….laughed out loud

        Reply

  • Mara Mills
    April 29, 2020

    Omg This came out amazing!! Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 29, 2020

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Janice
    April 25, 2020

    I just made this . The flavors are absolutely delicious. When it came out of the oven it was a bit thick. I put a bit more beef broth in it. Perfect! It goes with a variety of red wines.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 25, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

      • Helen
        May 19, 2020

        Is there a substitute for the bay leaves or can it go without ?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          May 19, 2020

          Hi Helen, you can omit the bay leaves and it will still taste great.

          Reply

    • Jen
      May 10, 2020

      I just bought my first dutch oven, and this recipe was my trial run. It was so good, and really pretty easy (I highly recommend cutting everything up beforehand), and the flavour was so rich. I can’t wait to make it again. Thank you, Natasha!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        May 10, 2020

        Love it! So great to hear that you loved the end result, Jen. Thanks for sharing!

        Reply

  • Phuong DeBellis
    April 25, 2020

    Hi Natasha,

    This recipe became a family favorite after my first attempt making this for them! We have added some other vegetables over time in the last six month such as celery extra garlic. Sometimes in a pinch I have even had to substitute good wine for cooking wine and it still was a crowd pleaser. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 25, 2020

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Phuong!

      Reply

  • Marty
    April 19, 2020

    Just made this today. I’ve made many stews and soups in the past. This was my first lamb stew and the first stew in a oven cooked Dutch oven. Excellent.!!! Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 19, 2020

      Great to hear that your first lamb stew was a success! I hope you love every recipe that you try.

      Reply

  • Sharon
    April 15, 2020

    Wow. Absolutely best lamb stew. Made enough to last 3 days. Every bite tasted as good as it did on day 1. Glad I didn’t have to share

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 15, 2020

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Sharon!

      Reply

  • Karen Karsseboom
    April 12, 2020

    Hi Natasha, Easter blessings to you. I am getting ready to start the lamb stew and wanted to know. I only have a pound of lamb stew meat should I cut the recipe or leave as is? Thanks.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 13, 2020

      Hi Karen, I think it should still work well with less meat. You might add salt to taste though with less meat.

      Reply

    • Martin Podgorski
      September 12, 2020

      Dziekuje Natasha, this was great. I used fresh thyme, this is an awesome recipe, absolutely amazing.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        September 12, 2020

        I’m so happy you enjoyed that Martin!

        Reply

  • Shirley
    April 12, 2020

    Made this today in the pressure cooker. It was amazingly delicious! I halved the recipe, I didn’t have fresh bay leaves so I used dried ones. After cooking it was pretty soupy die to the lack of evaporation in the pressure cooker but it was still delicious. I thicken the sauce for my leftovers tomorrow. Will definitely make this again!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 12, 2020

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Shirley. I am so happy that you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Steph
    April 9, 2020

    Yup. This was phenomenal. Bookmarked this recipe. I used Bob’s Red Mill gluten free “1 for 1 Flour” and served it with their recipe for Biscuits (with 1 cup of cheddar cheese added to biscuits). Amazing.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 9, 2020

      That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Steph!

      Reply

      • Monica
        April 11, 2020

        Can I do this in slow cooker instead
        of oven?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 11, 2020

          I haven’t tried this in a slow cooker but one of my readers, Mariya, offered some good insights. She wrote: “I always make my beef stew in the slow cooker- it should work with lamb also. At step 4- transfer everything into the slow cooker and set it to high until it starts boiling and then put it on low until the meat is tender and potatoes cooked.” I hope that helps!

          Reply

      • Tara
        April 13, 2020

        Looks good! Any idea of the settings and time I should use for a slow cooker?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 13, 2020

          Hi Tara, I haven’t tried this in a slow cooker but one of my readers, Mariya, offered some good insights. She wrote: “I always make my beef stew in the slow cooker- it should work with lamb also. At step 4- transfer everything into the slow cooker and set it to high until it starts boiling and then put it on low until the meat is tender and potatoes cooked.” I hope that helps!

          Reply

          • Tara
            April 17, 2020

            Thanks, I’ll let you know how it goes 🙂

  • Jeff Rasely
    April 8, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    I made the Lamb Stew for my son’s 24th birthday dinner and it turned out EXCELLENT.
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 9, 2020

      Love it! Thanks for sharing that with us and for giving this recipe a great review!

      Reply

  • Richard Petersen
    March 21, 2020

    Hello! This sounds great, but my old cast iron pot has no lid. Do you think aluminum foil will work?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 21, 2020

      Hi Richard. That may work although I haven’t tested that. Do you have a lid from another pot that may fit your pot?

      Reply

      • Richard Petersen
        March 21, 2020

        Yes, actually. This old pot belonged to my parents, and I found a lid at the store that fits perfect when I use it on the stove, but it’s glass and I can see a rubber seal between the glass and stainless steel rim. Not sure if it’s oven safe.
        Perhaps I’ll try the crockpot method…..

        Reply

      • Richard Petersen
        March 21, 2020

        It’s a Calphalon lid from BB and Beyond. It may work

        Reply

    • erin fernando
      March 21, 2020

      Here is an article about lid replacement options. Very helpful!
      https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.myrecipes.com/cooking-method/what-to-substitute-pot-lid%3famp=true

      Reply

      • Richard Petersen
        March 22, 2020

        Thanks!!

        Reply

  • Caroline
    March 17, 2020

    This was awesome! And I was surprised at how easy it was to make. I don’t usually like wines in stews, but I felt like giving this a try. It’s great!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 17, 2020

      Thank you for the great review and feedback, Caroline. I’m so happy that you loved this recipe!

      Reply

  • Shawn
    March 7, 2020

    Hi Natasha , starting watching a lot of your videos made your Apple pie! Best apple pie I ever made the filling was the best.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 7, 2020

      Fantastic! Thanks for sharing that with us, your comments are appreciated.

      Reply

  • Marta
    March 4, 2020

    Hello.

    Is it possible to make this recipe in the slow cooker?

    Can you help me?

    Thanks.

    Marta

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 4, 2020

      Hi Marta, I haven’t tried this in a slow cooker but one of my readers, Mariya, offered some good insights. She wrote: “I always make my beef stew in the slow cooker- it should work with lamb also. At step 4- transfer everything into the slow cooker and set it to high until it starts boiling and then put it on low until the meat is tender and potatoes cooked.” I hope that helps!

      Reply

      • Marta
        March 4, 2020

        Thanks Natasha.

        I have to try.

        Marta

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          March 4, 2020

          You’re welcome Marta.

          Reply

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