Tender Crock Pot Lamb Chops: Rich, Flavorful Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Tender Crock Pot Lamb Chops make weeknights easy. Slow-cooked to perfection, these flavorful lamb chops are a family favorite, melting in your mouth.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF broth)
# Ingredients:
→ Lamb & Base
01 -
4-6 lamb chops (shoulder or loin, about 1-inch thick)
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
03 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
3 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
→ Flavor Enhancers
06 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
07 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 tsp dried rosemary
09 -
1 tsp dried thyme
10 -
1 bay leaf
11 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Thickener & Finish
12 -
2 tbsp cornstarch
13 -
2 tbsp cold water
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
→ Optional Swirl
15 -
1 tbsp balsamic glaze
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get some color on those lamb chops! Pat your lamb chops super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear, honestly. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the lamb chops in the hot pan, searing for about 2-3 minutes per side until they're beautifully browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to. I always try to squeeze them all in and end up with less browning, so learn from my mistake! This step locks in so much flavor for our Tender Crock Pot Lamb Chops.
02 -
Once your lamb chops are seared, set them aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil to the same skillet if needed. Toss in your chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this stage is just heavenly! Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter so quickly, and that's a sad kitchen moment, trust me.
03 -
Now for the good stuff! Stir in the tomato paste into the skillet with the onions and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute. This helps to deepen its flavor, a little trick I learned. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those are flavor bombs! Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine everything. This is where the magic starts for these Tender Crock Pot Lamb Chops.
04 -
Carefully transfer your seared lamb chops to your crock pot. Pour the flavorful broth mixture from the skillet over the lamb chops. Make sure the chops are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You'll know they're ready when they're fall-off-the-bone tender. I've walked away too early sometimes, thinking 'close enough,' only to find them a bit tough. Patience, my friend, patience is key for the best slow-cooked lamb!
05 -
Once the lamb chops are cooked, gently remove them from the crock pot and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create your slurry. Turn the crock pot to high (or even simmer on the stove if you prefer) and slowly whisk the slurry into the cooking liquid. Stir continuously for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thick, add a splash more broth; too thin, another tiny bit of slurry. Don't worry if it looks a little messy, it'll come together!
06 -
Return the tender lamb chops to the thickened sauce in the crock pot, or plate them individually. Ladle plenty of that rich, savory sauce over them. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green really pops against the deep brown sauce! Serve these Tender Crock Pot Lamb Chops warm with your favorite sides. It's truly a comforting meal that feels special without all the fuss, a real winner in my book.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip searing! It locks in so much flavor, honestly, it's a game-changer for these Tender Crock Pot Lamb Chops.
02 -
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container for 3-4 days; I just reheat gently on the stove.
03 -
Ran out of lamb broth once, used beef broth and it worked, tasted a bit richer but still good!
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness, makes it look fancy.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
slow cooker (crock pot)
03 -
whisk
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 10-15g
Protein: 35-45g