Classic Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb with Roasted Root Vegetables

My go-to roast lamb recipe! Infused with herbs & roasted with root veg, it's a guaranteed hit. Easy enough for weeknights, special enough for Christmas! Get the recipe now.

May 31, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper Sunday roast? This roast lamb recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, the herby, garlicky flavour is absolutely divine!

Brief Overview

Lamb roast dinner is a classic for a reason. this dish has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, symbolising celebration and comfort.

It's medium difficulty and takes about 3 hours, serving 6-8.

Main Benefits

Sheep meat recipes are packed with protein and iron, making this lamb shoulder roast a nutritious treat. it's perfect for easter or christmas, making it one of the best christmas recipes crockpot for a big family gathering.

What makes it truly special is the aroma that fills your house as it roasts.

Time to roast a lamb?

Let's dive into this classic, comforting meal. my take on this lamb roast recipe combines a bit of traditional know-how with a couple of tricks i've picked up along the way.

I promise, even if you’re new to cooking lamb, you can absolutely nail this. think succulent, slow roasted lamb shoulder falling off the bone, infused with fragrant herbs and served alongside perfectly roasted root vegetables.

Sound good?

Now, some folks might be intimidated by cooking roast lamb christmas dinner , but trust me, it's easier than you think.

We're aiming for a slow roast lamb shoulder here, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully and the lamb to become incredibly tender.

Remember those slow roasted recipes your grandma swore by? this is that, but with a modern twist.

One of my personal challenges when i first tried cooking a lamb shoulder roast was getting the timing right. i ended up overcooking it a bit, resulting in a somewhat dry roast.

Lesson learned! the key is to use a meat thermometer and be patient. resting the lamb after cooking is also crucial for retaining moisture.

And remember:

"The best meals are made with love." - Some Wise Person

Get Your Bits and Pieces Ready

Before we even think about turning on the Oven Roasted Lamb Shoulder , let’s gather all our ingredients.

Alright, let's chat roast lamb recipe ! seriously, is there anything more comforting than a lamb roast dinner , especially when the weather's a bit rubbish? think crackling fire, good company, and the smell of slow cooked lamb recipes wafting through the house.

Classic Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb with Roasted Root Vegetables Recipe Card

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Preparation time:85 Mins

Cooking time:105 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 - 2 kg (3.3 - 4.4 lb) leg of lamb, bone-in
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 500g (1.1 lb) carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 500g (1.1 lb) parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 2 red onions, quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500ml (2 cups) beef or lamb stock
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and red onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary sprigs in the roasting pan.
• Place the marinated lamb on the rack in the roasting pan, on top of the vegetables. Roast for 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) to brown the lamb.
• Reduce oven temperature to 160°C (325°F). Continue roasting, basting the lamb with pan juices every 30 minutes.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 54°C (130°F); for medium, 60°C (140°F); for medium-well, 65°C (150°F).
• Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the lamb from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
• While the lamb rests, remove the vegetables from the roasting pan and set aside. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the pan drippings and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the beef or lamb stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir in the red wine vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Carve the lamb against the grain into slices. Serve with the roasted vegetables and gravy (if using). This is a delicious roast lamb recipe.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Keep It Real

Before we dive in, a quick word. I hate recipes that make you trek to five different shops. So, I've tried to keep this as simple as possible. Adapt as needed, yeah?

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

• Leg of Lamb: 1.5-2 kg (That's about 3.3-4.4 lbs for my friends across the pond). Look for good marbling – that's the fat running through the meat. That's what makes it juicy and delicious. If you fancy, you can get a Boneless Lamb Recipes if carving is not your thing.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Honestly, don't skimp.
• Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Fresh is best, but dried will do in a pinch.
• Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Again, fresh if you can.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Use a decent one, not the cheap stuff.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon . Adds a nice little tang.
• Potatoes: 1 kg ( 2.2 lbs ), peeled and quartered. Maris Piper or King Edwards are fab.
• Carrots: 500g ( 1.1 lbs ), peeled and chopped into chunks.
• Parsnips: 500g ( 1.1 lbs ), peeled and chopped into chunks. Honestly, I hated parsnips as a kid, but roasted, they're amazing!
• Red Onions: 2 , quartered.
• Rosemary Sprigs: 2 . Adds a lovely aroma to the veggies.
• Beef or Lamb Stock: 500ml ( 2 cups ) for gravy. This is the base for an unctuous and tasty gravy.

Seasoning Notes: Making It Sing

Essential spice combination: garlic, rosemary, and thyme are your base. they complement the lamb beautifully. flavor enhancers: a touch of dijon mustard really elevates the flavour.

Quick subs: no fresh rosemary? dried is fine, just use half the amount.

Equipment Needed: No Need for Fancy Gadgets

• Roasting Pan with Rack: Essential for even cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: Absolutely crucial! Don't guess the temp.
• Cutting Board: For prepping and carving.
• Sharp Knife: Obvious, but needs saying.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the herb rub.
• Whisk (For gravy): If you're feeling fancy.

Alternatives? a sturdy baking tray works instead of a roasting pan. just make sure it's deep enough. no meat thermometer? honestly, get one.

It's a game-changer. but, in a desperate pinch, you can use the "poke test" (google it!). i used to use this method, i can tell you the thermometer is way easier!

Remember that slow roast recipes will give you amazing results. and for those who celebrate, this also doubles up as one of the great lamb recipes for passover .

Or, if you're planning ahead, it's perfect for your roast lamb christmas dinner .

Let's get cooking!

Right then, let’s get cooking! a proper roast lamb, done right, is like sunday dinner at your nan’s. comforting, classic, and bound to impress.

Fancy a roast lamb recipe that's foolproof? stick around.

Ace Your Roast Lamb Recipe: A Simple Guide

Honestly, roasting lamb used to intimidate me. now? it's a sunday ritual! this lamb roast recipe will walk you through it.

Inspired by jamie oliver and the best slow roasted recipes , with a few tweaks for the home cook.

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential mise en place : Chop your rosemary and thyme, mince the garlic. Get those veggies prepped. Honestly, this saves so much hassle later.
• Time-saving tips: Marinate the lamb the night before. It's like giving it a flavour bath. Totally worth it.
• Safety first!: Watch those knives! Sharp knives are safer than dull ones, believe it or not.

Cook It Like You Mean It

1. Rub that lamb: Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, mustard, salt and pepper. Slather it all over the lamb. Let it sit for at least an hour, or overnight.
2. Veggies in the pan: Preheat oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . Toss potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and red onions with oil, salt, pepper and rosemary. Spread them in the pan.
3. Get that lamb roasting: Pop the lamb on top of the veg. Roast for 15 minutes at 200° C ( 400° F) . This gets a lovely sear on it.
4. Turn down the heat: Lower the oven to 160° C ( 325° F) . Keep roasting, basting with the pan juices every half hour. This is the key to a moist slow roasted lamb shoulder .
5. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer. 54° C ( 130° F) for medium-rare, 60° C ( 140° F) for medium, 65° C ( 150° F) for medium-well.
6. Let it rest: Take the lamb out. Wrap it loosely in foil. Rest for at least 15 minutes . Seriously, don't skip this!

Expert Lamb Tips

• Don't overcook! A thermometer is your best friend. Undercook it slightly.
• Resting is key. It lets the juices redistribute. Trust me.
• Common mistake alert!: Forgetting to rest the lamb. It's a crime against Sunday dinner.

Bonus: Slow Cooked Lamb Recipes

If you're looking to try some slow cooked lamb recipes , you could even adapt this roast lamb recipe for a slow cooker.

Just brown the lamb first in a pan, then chuck it in the slow cooker with the vegetables on low for 6- 8 hours.

Perfect for those "can't be bothered" days. or, if you're prepping for christmas recipes crockpot style, this would be great!

So, there you have it. my foolproof guide to a lamb roast dinner . get stuck in, give it a go, and let me know how it turns out! happy roasting, you wonderful lot.

Alright then, let's talk nitty-gritty details about our roast lamb recipe ! It's all about getting it just right, innit? So, let's dive into some helpful notes.

Recipe Notes

Ace Serving Suggestions

Right, so you've got your magnificent lamb roast dinner , glistening and smelling divine. how do you make it look the business? plating is key.

Think about layering the lamb slices slightly overlapping. a sprig of fresh rosemary looks proper fancy. honestly, a simple garnish can make a big difference.

Complementary sides? you can't go wrong with mint sauce. it's a classic. roasted asparagus or some garlicky green beans add a pop of colour and freshness.

And a pint of your favorite beverage is always a winner.

Storagetown Tips

Leftover slow roasted lamb shoulder ? lucky you! pop it in the fridge within two hours, yeah? in an airtight container it will last for up to 3 days.

Freezing? absolutely! slice it up first and freeze in portions. then you can reheat exactly what you need.

Reheating is easy peasy. gently reheat in the oven with a little bit of stock to keep it moist. a microwave will do in a pinch but can dry it out.

Try to reheat it at 165° f.

Top Variations

Fancy a change? for a dietary adaptation, try this with boneless lamb recipes . this is a proper easy change. this is especially nice if you like pulled lamb sandwiches.

For a seasonal swap, use butternut squash instead of parsnips in the autumn. it’s all about using what's fresh, you know? this also works perfect for winter lamb recipes.

Nutrition 101

Okay, let's keep it simple. sheep meat recipes , especially lamb, are packed with protein and iron. great for keeping you strong and energetic.

Remember, these are estimates, so take them with a grain of salt.

Your Cooking Conclusion

Honestly, this lamb roast recipe is easier than it looks. i remember the first time i tried a slow roast recipes , i was proper bricking it.

But trust me, with a bit of patience and a meat thermometer, you can nail it. give it a go! you might be surprised by how good it is.

Slow cooked lamb recipes are perfect for the oven or the christmas recipes crockpot. feel free to throw in some roast garlic recipes too.

Oven roasted lamb shoulder or slow roast lamb shoulder is proper delicious. and if you're feeling fancy, try this lamb recipes for passover as well, this lamb roast recipe will surely bring family and friends together.

This Lamb Shoulder Roast is great for Roast Lamb Christmas Dinner , and with a little love, your Lamb Roast Dinner will be the talk of the town.

Happy cooking, you legend!