Hearty Crockpot Lamb Chops
Cozy Dinners Slow Cooker Recipes.
Fall-off-the-bone tender lamb chops slow-cooked to perfection. A simple, cozy, and unforgettable meal.
I remember my grandmother having a slow cooker simmering away on her counter, especially on chilly autumn afternoons. The windows would be steamed up, and the whole house felt like a warm hug. This recipe reminds me of that feeling. It’s not fussy or complicated; it’s just honest, good food. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, no questions asked. It’s about taking a few simple, beautiful ingredients and letting time do the heavy lifting. I mean, what’s more comforting than that?
Why This Recipe Feels Like a Hug
- •**So, So Tender:** The slow cooker works its magic, making the lamb unbelievably tender and juicy.
- •**Set It and Forget It:** After a quick sear, the crockpot does all the work. It's perfect for busy days.
- •**Deep, Rich Flavor:** The combination of herbs, broth, and the seared lamb creates a sauce that is just packed with comforting, savory flavor.
- •**A Welcoming Aroma:** Your home will smell absolutely incredible all day long. It's the best kind of welcome.
Wow, I honestly wasn't sure lamb would work in a slow cooker, but this was a game-changer. The meat was so incredibly tender it just melted in my mouth. My whole family loved it!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Lamb Chops: I like to use bone-in loin chops. The bone adds so much flavor as it cooks. Look for chops that are about an inch thick; they hold up beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Yellow Onion: A simple yellow onion provides the perfect sweet and savory base for the sauce. Don't be afraid to let it get a little color in the pan.
Complete Cooking Process
- **Preparation is Key:** Start by patting your lamb chops dry and giving them a good season. This simple act of preparation makes all the difference for a good sear.
- **Building Flavor:** Searing the chops before they go into the crockpot is non-negotiable for me. It locks in the juices and creates a beautiful, deep flavor that you just can't get otherwise.
- **The Slow Cook:** Once everything is in the pot, let it be. Let the low, gentle heat transform the ingredients into something truly special. The magic is in the waiting.
- **The Finishing Touch:** Serve the tender chops with a generous spoonful of the sauce they cooked in. It's the liquid gold of the dish.
A Few Things You Might Be Wondering
→Can I use boneless lamb chops?
You can, but they might cook a little faster and won't have quite the same depth of flavor that the bone provides. If you use them, I'd check for tenderness on the earlier side of the cooking time.
→What if I don't have beef broth?
Vegetable broth would be a lovely substitute. It would make the sauce a little lighter but still delicious.
→Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely! Chunks of carrot, celery, or small potatoes would be wonderful. Add them at the beginning with the onions and they'll cook right alongside the lamb.
Hearty Crockpot Lamb Chops
This Pioneer Woman-inspired Crockpot Lamb Chops recipe is such an easy and delicious family meal. Simple ingredients and a slow cooker make it absolutely stress-free and perfect for a cozy evening.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 15 minutes - 6 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Lamb Chops
- 018 bone-in lamb loin chops, about 1-inch thick
- 022 tablespoons olive oil
- 031 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 041/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 051 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 064 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 011 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 021/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 032 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 041 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 051 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 061 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel. This little step helps get a really nice sear. Season them all over with salt and pepper.
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, carefully place the lamb chops in the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they're beautifully browned. You’re not cooking them through, just building flavor. Transfer the seared chops to your slow cooker.
In the same skillet (don't clean it!), add the sliced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and pick up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell it. Oh, that smell is just divine.
Pour the onions and garlic over the lamb chops in the slow cooker.
Now for the sauce. In a small bowl, just whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and thyme. Pour this mixture evenly over everything in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Honestly, low and slow is the way to go here if you have the time. The lamb will be incredibly tender.
Once cooked, gently remove the lamb chops from the slow cooker. If you'd like to thicken the sauce, you can pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces a bit. Or just spoon it over the chops as is. It’s delicious either way.
Notes & Tips
- 1Every slow cooker is a little different, so your cooking time might vary slightly. The lamb is done when it is fork-tender.
- 2Feel free to add other herbs you love, like a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Tools You'll Need
- •Don't skip the searing step! It’s where so much of the foundational flavor comes from.
- •Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the final dish.
- •For the most tender result, always opt for the 'low' setting on your slow cooker if you have the time.