Slow Cooked Lamb Stew (Crockpot Recipe for Easy Dinners)

With the Best Buttery Taste!

If you’ve been hunting for hearty crockpot recipes that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day, you’re in the right place. This slow cooked lamb stew is one of those easy dinner recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—when in reality, your crockpot did all the heavy lifting.

With melt-in-your-mouth lamb shanks, rich broth, and rustic vegetables, this dish is the perfect answer to chilly evenings, busy weekdays, or when you just need a comforting family dinner.

slow cooked lamb shank

What you’ll get in this post:

  • A foolproof step-by-step lamb stew recipe for the crockpot
  • Smart tips to make your stew rich, hearty, and flavorful every time
  • Easy serving suggestions + variations to fit your family’s taste

Why You’ll Love This Lamb Stew

slow cooked lamb shank stew - crockpot easy dinner recipe
  • Effortless dinner: Your crockpot does all the hard work—just set and forget.
  • Big on flavor: Browning the lamb and reducing the broth at the end makes this dish rich and savory.
  • Family-friendly: A wholesome, hearty meal that’s filling and satisfying.
  • Freezer-ready: Double the batch and freeze for instant dinners later.

If you’ve got a busy household and love easy dinner recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this rustic lamb stew:

  • 6 lamb shanks – tender, meaty, and full of flavor.
  • 2 onions – finely chopped, the flavor base of the stew.
  • 2 carrots – for natural sweetness and body.
  • 2 tablespoons butter – adds richness to the base. This is the secret to an amazing sauce flavour you will never forget!
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste (or chutney) – for depth and tang.
  • 400g can of tomatoes – rounds out the sauce.
  • 4 cups beef stock – the liquid gold that keeps it all juicy.
  • 2 bay leaves – for earthy undertones.
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary – lamb’s best friend.
  • any veges you have on hand – potatoes. zucchini, mushrooms, squash all work well.
  • Salt and pepper – to season perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

slow cooked lamb shank stew - crockpot easy dinner recipe

Here’s how to make your lamb stew a guaranteed hit:

Recipe Card

Slow Cooked Lamb Stew (Crockpot Recipe)

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 8 hours on low (or 4 on high)
  • Total time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 lamb shanks
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste (or chutney)
  • 400g can tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1–2 sprigs rosemary
  • Salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

slow cooked lamb shank stew - crockpot easy dinner recipe
  1. Brown the lamb shanks. In a large pan, sear lamb in a little oil until golden brown. Set aside.
  2. Cook the vegetables. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion and carrot until softened. Stir in tomato paste.
  3. Assemble in the crockpot. Add lamb, cooked veggies, canned tomatoes, beef stock, bay leaves, and rosemary.
  4. Slow cook. Cover and cook for 8 hours on low (or 4 hours on high) until lamb is tender.
  5. Reduce the sauce. Remove lamb from the crockpot. Ladle most of the liquid into a saucepan and simmer until thickened. Return to stew, season well, and serve hot.

Chef Tip: Browning your lamb is the secret to deep flavor—it’s worth the extra few minutes.

Substitution Idea: No lamb? Swap for beef short ribs or chicken thighs.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Lamb Stew

  • Brown first, stew later: Don’t skip searing the lamb—it builds layers of flavor.
  • Add herbs early, seasoning later: Bay leaves and rosemary infuse beautifully during the long cook, but always adjust salt and pepper at the end.
  • Reduce your sauce: Taking a few minutes to thicken the broth after slow cooking makes this stew restaurant-worthy.

Variations + Substitutions

slow cooked lamb shank stew - crockpot easy dinner recipe

One of the best things about crockpot recipes is how flexible they are:

  • Swap the meat: Try beef chuck, oxtail, or even chicken thighs.
  • Make it veggie-heavy: Add parsnips, potatoes, or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
  • Add spice: Stir in smoked paprika or chili flakes for a bolder flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch slurry to thicken if needed instead of flour.

What to Serve with Lamb Stew

This stew is a meal in itself, but you can make it extra cozy with:

  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
  • Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.
  • A crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Storage + Freezer Instructions

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock if needed.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

If you love this hearty stew, you’ll also enjoy:

What’s your favorite crockpot recipe? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to try it!

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