
Tender Slow-Cooked Lamb Chops: Quick & Easy Comfort
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat22gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Lamb chops (about 2.5 cm thick); choose chops with some fat marbling for flavor and tenderness4 piece
- Olive oil; use extra virgin for best taste2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, peeled and minced3 piece
- Fresh rosemary sprigs; alternatively use 1 tbsp dried rosemary3 sprig
- Salt; preferably sea salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Onion, sliced1 piece
- Beef or lamb broth (can substitute with water mixed with bouillon cubes)1 cup
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp

This slow-cooked lamb chops recipe offers a simple way to transform affordable lamb cuts into tender, succulent meals packed with flavor. Perfect for everyday cooking, it requires minimal prep and kitchen skills while ensuring safe and delicious results. Using common ingredients and a slow cooker or oven, you’ll enjoy beautifully cooked lamb chops that melt in your mouth. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $15 USD, €14 EUR, £12 GBP, and ₹1200 INR. The dish provides roughly 350 calories per serving and suits omnivorous diets. Difficulty is easy, with a total time of about 3 hours including cooking. Safety tips highlight best practices for handling raw lamb and checking internal temperatures to guarantee the meat is cooked thoroughly for safe consumption.
Preparation instructions
Prep the Lamb Chops and Aromatics
1Pat the lamb chops dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps with browning and flavor. Rub them evenly with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and rosemary. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes; this enhances flavor and promotes even cooking.
Sear the Lamb Chops
2Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the lamb chops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a rich brown crust; this locks in flavor and juices. Remove chops and set aside.
Prepare for Slow Cooking
3In your slow cooker or oven-safe pot, place the sliced onions evenly. Lay the seared lamb chops on top. Pour the broth and lemon juice over the chops; this keeps the meat moist and adds flavor.
Slow Cook the Lamb Chops
4Cover and cook on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours. If using an oven, preheat to 150°C (300°F) and cook covered for the same amount of time. The slow cooking will make the lamb tender and flavorful.
Check Internal Temperature for Safety
5Use a meat thermometer to check the lamb’s internal temperature. It should reach at least 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare and 70°C (160°F) for well-done, as recommended by the USDA. After removing from heat, let the meat rest for 5 minutes; this lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chops juicy.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and other ingredients, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw lamb.
2If you do not have a meat thermometer, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the chop; juice should run clear with no pink for fully cooked meat, but a thermometer is best for accuracy.
3For a variation, add sliced carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker to create a one-pot meal.
4If you prefer, substitute rosemary with thyme or oregano for different aromatic profiles.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or oven-safe pot with lid
- Heavy skillet or frying pan
- Meat thermometer (highly recommended for safe cooking)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Lamb chops (4 pieces, about 2.5 cm thick) - approx. $12, €11, £9, ₹1000. Look for fresh meat with some marbling for tenderness.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - approx. $0.50, €0.45, £0.40, ₹40. Choose extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic (3 cloves) - approx. $0.25, €0.20, £0.18, ₹15. Fresh cloves give the best taste.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (3 sprigs) or dried rosemary (1 tbsp) - approx. $0.75, €0.70, £0.60, ₹60. Fresh herbs add bright flavor.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - approx. $0.40, €0.35, £0.30, ₹25. Select firm and heavy onions.
- [ ] Beef or lamb broth (1 cup) - approx. $1.00, €0.90, £0.80, ₹70. Can be store-bought or homemade.
- [ ] Lemon (1 for juice) - approx. $0.50, €0.45, £0.40, ₹35. Choose fresh and firm lemons.
Total estimated cost: $15.40, €14.05, £11.68, ₹1245
FAQ
Can I use frozen lamb chops for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the lamb chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare or 70°C (160°F) for well done. Rest the meat for 5 minutes after cooking before serving.
Can I skip the searing step?
While you can skip searing, it adds flavor and improves the texture by creating a caramelized crust on the lamb chops.
Is it safe to slow cook lamb chops at low temperature for several hours?
Yes, as long as you start with proper searing and cook until the internal temperature is safe as recommended by the USDA. Avoid leaving meat at unsafe temperatures for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.