Ultimate Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe 12-Hour

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The Ultimate Roast Lamb shoulder recipe 12-hour style is one of those meals that fills the house with comfort and calm. This is the kind of slow cooked dinner I turn to when I want something deeply cozy but still simple. The oven does most of the work while you go about your day. The lamb becomes tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It is perfect for quiet weekends, family gatherings, or anytime you want a meal that feels like home without stress.

Ultimate Roast Lamb Shoulder Recipe 12-Hour 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is hands off and forgiving, which makes it perfect for busy families. The long cook time creates meat that falls apart with a fork. It uses basic pantry ingredients, no fancy steps required. It also works beautifully for easy lamb recipes that feed a crowd or stretch into leftovers.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • Lamb shoulder, this cut becomes meltingly tender during long cooking.
  • Garlic cloves, they slowly soften and flavor the meat.
  • Olive oil, helps the lamb brown gently.
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme, classic herbs that pair well with lamb dishes.
  • Salt and black pepper, simple seasoning goes a long way.
  • Onion and carrots, they create a flavorful base and soak up juices.
  • Chicken broth or water, keeps everything moist during the long roast.

Step by Step Instructions

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  1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Low heat is the secret here.
  2. Pat the lamb shoulder dry and rub it with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Press garlic and herbs all over the lamb.
  4. Place onion and carrots in a roasting pan and set the lamb on top.
  5. Pour broth into the pan, cover tightly with foil.
  6. Roast for 12 hours. Do not rush this step.
  7. Uncover for the last 30 minutes to lightly brown the top.
  8. Let rest for 15 minutes before pulling apart.

Helpful Tips and Variations

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  • This works well for Greek lamb recipes by adding lemon slices and oregano.
  • Leftovers can be used in lamb meals like wraps or rice bowls.
  • You can shred the meat for lamb stew meat recipes later in the week.
  • If you love variety, serve this alongside other easy lamb recipes.

Serving and Storage

Serve this lamb shoulder with roasted potatoes, soft bread, or a simple salad. It pairs nicely with lighter sides and makes a beautiful centerpiece for family dinners.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove with a splash of broth.

Ultimate Roast Lamb Shoulder (12-Hour)

This cozy lamb shoulder cooks low and slow for 12 hours until tender and juicy. Made with garlic, herbs, and veggies, it's perfect for family dinners and makes great leftovers too.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lamb Shoulder
  • 1 whole lamb shoulder bone-in, approx. 4-5 lbs
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and slightly crushed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Vegetable Base
  • 2 onions quartered
  • 3 carrots cut into chunks
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Foil
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Pat lamb shoulder dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Press garlic and fresh herbs onto the lamb.
  4. Place onions and carrots in a roasting pan. Set lamb on top.
  5. Pour chicken broth or water into the pan. Cover tightly with foil.
  6. Roast for 12 hours. Do not open the oven.
  7. Uncover in the last 30 minutes to brown the top.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Turn this into a Greek-inspired version by adding lemon slices and oregano. Use leftovers in wraps, bowls, or stews. Slow cooking ensures even beginners can’t go wrong with this recipe.

FAQs

Is this recipe good for easy lamb recipes beginners?

Yes, this is one of the most forgiving lamb dishes you can make. The low heat and long time mean you do not have to worry about overcooking. Even if timing is not exact, the lamb will still turn out tender and flavorful.

Can I use this for lamb meals during the week?

Absolutely. This roast makes enough meat for several meals. You can serve it fresh one night, then use leftovers in sandwiches, bowls, or simple dinners later in the week.

What makes this different from other lamb dishes?

The 12-hour cook time changes everything. The lamb slowly breaks down and becomes soft and juicy. It feels special without being complicated.

Can this replace other easy lamb recipes?

This recipe can become a base for many meals. Think of it as a starting point. Once cooked, the lamb can be seasoned or served in different ways.

Final Thoughts from Ama

Some recipes feel like a hug, and this one truly does. Even if it is not perfect, it will still taste wonderful. Slow food like this reminds us to pause and let time do its work. I hope this lamb brings warmth and comfort to your table, just like it does to mine.

For more lamb inspiration, you might enjoy lamb chops with balsamic reduction, grilled lamb with mint orange sauce, or this classic roast leg of lamb recipe.

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