Lamb Stew Tips
What cut of meat is best for lamb stew?
This recipe calls for lamb stew meat, and while this is very convenient to use and buy, you never know exactly what different cuts are included. That means you may have some pieces that end up being very tender while others may be a little tough. If you'd like to buy one particular cut to use instead, go for lamb shoulder. The meat will become very tender after it's braised, and the flavor will be very pronounced. (Check out our
guide to cooking lamb for more tips.)
Can you overcook lamb stew?
Yes, it's possible to overcook lamb stew. If you cook it for too long, the meat will start to fall apart, and it will actually lose moisture and begin to toughen. Cook the stew just until the meat is fork tender but still intact.
What variations can I try for this lamb stew recipe?
As with many other stews, you can easily customize this lamb stew recipe to fit your family’s particular tastes (get inspired with these other
lamb recipes). To give it a Tex-Mex flair, add a chopped chipotle pepper or two, plus some cumin and chili powder. For a creamy stew, add 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream just before serving. You can also stir in a little curry powder as you cook the onions and garnish with a handful of chopped cilantro.
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
To make lamb stew in a slow cooker, combine all of the ingredients in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
To make lamb stew in an
Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, brown the lamb and vegetables on high heat. Then add the remaining ingredients, seal and adjust to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
Research contributed by James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor, Culinary
Nutrition Facts
1-1/4 cups: 360 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.