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Tender Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb Recipe with Garlic Rosemary Butter

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A simple and delicious slow cooker leg of lamb infused with garlic rosemary butter, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness perfect for dinner parties or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds bone-in or boneless leg of lamb
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup dry red wine or beef broth
  • Optional: sprig of thyme or bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Prepare the garlic rosemary butter by mixing 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 6 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Pat the leg of lamb dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if desired, then score the surface in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife.
  3. Spread the garlic rosemary butter generously all over the lamb, rubbing it into the scoring. Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Transfer the seared lamb to the slow cooker. Pour 1 cup of dry red wine or beef broth around the lamb. Add optional herbs like thyme or bay leaf.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the lamb is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to medium.
  7. Remove the lamb from the slow cooker and let it rest loosely covered with foil for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice the lamb against the grain, spoon over any remaining garlic rosemary butter from the slow cooker, and serve.

Notes

Searing the lamb before slow cooking is essential for flavor and texture. Use fresh rosemary for best results. Keep an eye on liquid levels during cooking and add more broth or wine if needed. Rest the meat before slicing to retain juices. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

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