This Lamb Tava Recipe is one of those comforting lamb dishes that fills your kitchen with warmth and incredible aroma. Made with tender chunks of slow cooked lamb, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it is a true taste of cozy Mediterranean cooking. You don’t need fancy tools or hours of prep to make this meal shine. Whether you’re new to lamb recipes or looking to try something beyond your usual favorites, this dish brings comfort and flavor to every bite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The lamb turns soft and juicy from slow cooking with tomatoes and herbs.
It’s a simple one-pan meal that feels special without much effort.
The flavors remind you of sunny Greek dishes made for family sharing.
You can make it ahead and reheat easily for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You Will Need

Lamb shoulder or leg: full of flavor and perfect for slow cooking.
Onions and garlic: create a rich, savory base.
Tomatoes: add a bright, slightly sweet sauce.
Potatoes: soak up all the juicy flavors.
Olive oil: brings that classic Mediterranean taste.
Fresh herbs: oregano and thyme give an authentic Greek touch.

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly oil a large baking dish or casserole pan.
Layer sliced onions, garlic, and potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
Add the lamb pieces on top. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour crushed tomatoes over everything and sprinkle with herbs.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the lamb is tender.
Uncover and bake for 20 more minutes so the edges turn golden and slightly crispy.

Helpful Tips and Variations

If you love the texture of pulled lamb, cook it a bit longer until it falls apart easily.
For a festive touch, try adding roasted peppers or olives like in many holiday lamb dishes.
Make it lighter by adding more vegetables for a balanced, healthy food dish.
Want something with a smoky twist? Swap in a few Greek-style lamb chops instead of cubes.
If you prefer a stew-like texture, stir it halfway through baking, like an easy lamb stew recipe.

Serving and Storage

Serve this lamb tava hot from the oven with crusty bread or warm pita. A fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta makes a perfect side. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or rice for a heartier meal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until hot. You can also reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.

Lamb Tava

This Lamb Tava Recipe is a hearty Mediterranean dish made with tender slow-cooked lamb, potatoes, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a simple, flavorful, one-pan meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy to reheat for busy nights.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 15

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lb lamb shoulder or leg cut into chunks
2 onions sliced
4 cloves garlic sliced
3 potatoes peeled and sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes about 14 oz
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

Casserole Dish
Oven

Method

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly oil a large baking dish or casserole pan.
Layer the sliced onions, garlic, and potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
Add the lamb pieces on top of the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Pour the crushed tomatoes over the lamb and sprinkle with oregano and thyme.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the lamb is tender.
Uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until the top is golden and edges are slightly crispy.

Notes

Try adding olives or roasted peppers for extra flavor. Serve with bread or rice and a fresh Greek salad. Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.

FAQs

Can I use lamb chops in this Lamb Tava Recipe?

Yes, you can. Lamb chops cook faster than larger pieces, so reduce the cooking time to about 1.5 hours. They bring a lovely seared flavor to the dish and make it feel a bit fancier while still being an easy cooking recipe for weeknights.

What makes this one of the best Greek dishes?

This recipe captures the heart of Greek comfort food. The mix of olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs creates layers of flavor without needing heavy sauces. Like many traditional Greek dishes, it’s made for sharing and brings warmth to the table.

Can I make this as a slow cooked lamb meal?

Absolutely. Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. The result is fork-tender lamb with all the same cozy flavors baked right in. It’s one of those lamb recipes that tastes even better the next day.

What sides go best with Lamb Tava?

Try pairing it with lemon rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. A dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds a cool contrast to the rich sauce. For a full Mediterranean spread, serve it with warm pita bread and olives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully. Cook the dish, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat before serving and it will still taste amazing. The flavors deepen overnight, making it one of those easy cooking recipes you’ll want to make again.

Final Thoughts from Ama

Some recipes feel like a hug in a dish, and this Lamb Tava Recipe is one of them. It’s simple, full of heart, and perfect for family nights or quiet weekends. Even if your potatoes stick a little or the sauce bubbles over, it will still taste wonderful. That’s the magic of homemade food, and that’s what I hope you find at your table too.