Table of Contents: Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables
Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables
Warm up your kitchen—and your soul—with this deeply flavorful Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables. Whether it’s a snowy Sunday, a festive family dinner, or just a craving for something rich and satisfying, this dish delivers. Tender, fall-apart lamb shoulder, golden-roasted winter vegetables, and a deeply savory braise come together in one of the most comforting meals you’ll make all season. For readers aged 40–65+, this is the kind of recipe that bridges generations—simple enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for the holidays, and so satisfying, your family will beg for seconds.
Introduction: Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables
There’s something magical about a slow cooked lamb roast bubbling gently in the oven, filling your home with the earthy aroma of rosemary, garlic, and roasted root vegetables. This Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of winter tradition, seasonal ingredients, and old-fashioned comfort food. The lamb shoulder, rich in marbling and connective tissue, becomes incredibly tender after hours of low-and-slow braising, while the hearty lamb stew-style sauce thickens into a glossy, deeply flavored jus that coats every bite.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday suppers, or even meal prepping for busy families, this recipe is both rustic and refined. The winter vegetable side—carrots, parsnips, and potatoes—roasts alongside the meat, absorbing the aromatic juices and developing a crisp, caramelized exterior. It’s a one-pot wonder with minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and the kind of deep satisfaction that only true comfort food can deliver.
This dish is more than just delicious; it’s easy comfort food for family dinners that feels luxurious without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting the whole crew, the slow cooked lamb roast delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to replicate any other way. And with a bright, herbaceous finish from fresh parsley and balsamic vinegar, it balances richness with nuance—making every bite unforgettable.
Alternate Names & Variations
This recipe goes by many names depending on the region and tradition:
– Crispy-Top Braised Lamb Shank with Root Vegetables
– One-Pot Hearty Lamb Stew with Roasted Carrots & Potatoes
– Slow-Oven Lamb Roast with Winter Vegetables & Red Wine (optional variant)
– Rosemary & Garlic Braised Lamb with Winter Roots
– Classic Shepherd’s Braise with a Balsamic-Mustard Infusion
Some people search for “Slow cooked lamb roast with side dish” or “Winter lamb stew with vegetables”, which are all variations of this core concept. For a richer twist, add ½ cup of dry red wine to the braise. For a heartier winter vegetable side, toss in celeriac, beets, or winter squash. This recipe is endlessly adaptable while staying true to its hearty lamb stew roots.
Ingredients: Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables

- – 2 lbs (3 large steak-size pieces) Pastured Lamb Shoulder, bone-in
- – 2–3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- – 1 medium Onion, peeled and diced small
- – 4 Garlic Cloves, peeled and crushed
- – 4 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- – 2 Cups Chicken Stock (low-sodium preferred)
- – Fresh Herbs (chopped):
- – 1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary (just the leaves)
- – 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme (just the leaves)
- – ½ Cup Fresh Parsley (just the leaves)
– Ground Spices:
- – 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- – 1 Tsp Ground Turmeric
- – ½ Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- – ½ Tsp Ground Allspice
– Condiments & Seasonings:
- – 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- – 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- – 2 Tbsp Premium Balsamic Vinegar
- – Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Optional: 1–2 medium carrots, 1 parsnip, and 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1.5” chunks (for roast winter vegetables)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat lamb shoulder pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Tip: Drying the meat ensures a good sear.
2. Sear the lamb: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Sear lamb in batches (don’t crowd the pot) for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add remaining oil, diced onion, and crushed garlic. Cook 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add tomato paste and ground spices (paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice). Stir 2 minutes until fragrant and paste darkens slightly.
4. Deglaze: Stir in Worcestershire, Dijon, balsamic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook 1 minute. Pour in chicken stock, scraping up browned bits from the bottom—this is flavor gold.
5. Return lamb: Nestle seared lamb pieces back into the pot, ensuring meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop, then remove from heat.
6. Transfer to oven: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and braise for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, turning lamb once halfway through, until fork-tender.
7. Roast vegetables (last 45 mins): If adding veggies, scatter them around the lamb, drizzle with olive oil, and roast uncovered for the final 45 minutes. This creates a crispy yet tender winter vegetable side.
8. Finish: Stir in fresh parsley with 5 minutes left. Adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Serve lamb hot, topped with roasted vegetables and extra sauce.
Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)
Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 3 hours 15 minutes | Total time: 3 hours 40 minutes | Servings: 4
This Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables delivers approximately 680 calories per serving, with 42g protein, 28g fat, 18g carbohydrates, and 5g fiber. It’s a deeply satisfying, nutrient-rich meal ideal for slow cooked lamb roast lovers and those seeking a hearty lamb stew with a fresh, seasonal twist.
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This dish shines because it combines textural contrast—crispy roasted vegetables, silky meat, and a vibrant herb finish—with layered umami from the tomato paste, Worcestershire, and balsamic. The slow cooked lamb roast method breaks down connective tissue, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth tenderness without drying out. Using pastured lamb shoulder boosts flavor and moisture, while the winter vegetable side roasting in the same pot infuses it with meaty broth.
Chef tip: For deeper flavor, brown the tomato paste until it’s russet—this “toasting” step deepens the sauce’s richness. For busy nights, prepare ahead: sear and braise lamb one day, then reheat with fresh roasted vegetables for an easy comfort food for family dinners. The balance of aromatic spices (turmeric, cinnamon, allspice) adds warmth without sweetness, making it perfect for hearty lamb stew connoisseurs.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Let leftovers cool and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify overnight—ideal for hearty lamb stew meal prep. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
To reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to rehydrate. For roast vegetables, spread on a sheet pan and broil 3–5 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving unless covered with sauce to prevent drying out. This slow cooked lamb roast actually tastes better the next day, making it a dream for planning easy comfort food for family dinners.
People Also Ask: Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables
How do you braise lamb with winter vegetables?
Braising lamb with winter vegetables involves searing the meat, building a rich sauce with aromatics and stock, then slow-cooking everything together in a covered Dutch oven. The lamb becomes fork-tender after 2.5–3.5 hours at 325°F, while vegetables (like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes) roast in the final 45 minutes for crisp texture. This one-pot method ensures both slow cooked lamb roast and roast winter vegetable side absorb the same savory jus, creating a harmonious, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
What cuts of lamb are best for braising?
Lamb shoulder is the gold standard for braising due to its high fat and connective tissue, which dissolve into tenderness during long, moist cooking. Other excellent cuts for slow cooked lamb roast include lamb shank, leg (boneless roll), and forequarter. These cuts stay juicy and don’t dry out, making them perfect for hearty lamb stew or low-and-slow roasting. Avoid lean cuts like loin or chops—they’re better grilled or pan-seared and will become tough when braised.
What winter vegetables are good for roasting?
Carrots, parsnips, Yukon Gold potatoes, celeriac, turnips, and beets are all excellent winter vegetable side choices. They hold their shape, caramelize beautifully, and absorb rich, meaty flavors. Roasting enhances their natural sugars, adding depth to any slow cooked lamb roast. For extra texture, toss them in olive oil, salt, and rosemary 45 minutes before the lamb finishes. Seasonal roots like salsify or kohlrabi also work stunningly, bringing variety and color to your hearty lamb stew presentation.
How long does it take to braise lamb until tender?
It typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours to braise lamb until tender at 325°F. Larger, bone-in cuts like shoulder need longer to break down collagen; smaller pieces may need only 2 hours. Test for doneness by inserting a fork—the meat should pull apart easily. If still tough, cover and return to the oven for 30-minute increments. This slow method ensures the lamb stays juicy and perfect for a slow cooked lamb roast, making it ideal for hearty lamb stew lovers who value deep, complex flavor.
Conclusion: Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables
This Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables is more than a recipe—it’s a moment. A candlelit table, shared laughter, the scent of rosemary drifting through the kitchen. Whether it’s your first time braising lamb or your family’s tradition, this slow cooked lamb roast is designed to nourish, comfort, and impress.
Try it this week—snap a photo, taste the magic, and share your results in the comments below. Did you add red wine? Swap veggies? Tag us on social! Because great food is meant to be celebrated, savored, and passed on.
Let this be the hearty lamb stew that kicks off your winter cooking season in the best way possible.
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Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Braised Lamb with Roast Winter Vegetables is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cold days. Tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich broth and served with caramelized seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear lamb shanks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and return lamb shanks to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 to 2.5 hours until meat is tender.
- Meanwhile, toss parsnips, carrots, and squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and tender.
- Serve braised lamb over the roasted vegetables and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
For deeper flavor, prepare the lamb a day ahead and reheat before serving. Red wine can be substituted with broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb shank with vegetables
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: braised lamb, winter vegetables, comfort food, holiday meal