Tender, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting, these Slow Cooker Lamb Chops are an easy way to prepare a satisfying dinner with minimal effort. The lamb slowly cooks with garlic, herbs, onions, and a savory broth until the meat is tender and infused with rich flavor.
Serve these lamb chops with creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables for a hearty family meal, or spoon the flavorful cooking juices over rice or couscous.
Ingredients
- 6 lamb chops, about 2–2½ lb (900 g–1.1 kg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or lamb broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Gravy
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
1. Season the Lamb
Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme.
2. Sear the Chops
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the lamb chops and sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, just until nicely browned.
You don’t need to cook them through at this stage. The purpose is to develop a deeper, more savory flavor.
Transfer the lamb chops to the slow cooker.
3. Prepare the Cooking Liquid
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
This creates a flavorful base for the lamb.
4. Slow Cook
Pour the broth mixture over the lamb chops.
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–6 hours, depending on the thickness and type of lamb chops.
Begin checking toward the lower end of the cooking time. Lamb chops vary considerably in size and tenderness, so avoid relying on time alone.
5. Finish With Lemon
Once the lamb is tender, carefully remove the chops from the slow cooker.
Stir the lemon juice into the cooking juices and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Sprinkle the lamb with fresh parsley before serving.
6. Optional Gravy
For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan.
Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry.
Bring the cooking liquid to a gentle simmer and whisk in the slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Spoon the gravy over the lamb chops just before serving.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lamb Chops
Sear before slow cooking: Browning the lamb adds much more depth of flavor to the finished dish.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If necessary, sear the chops in batches so they brown rather than steam.
Use fresh garlic: It adds a stronger, more aromatic flavor to the cooking liquid.
Don’t overcook: Lamb chops are naturally more tender than tough stew cuts, so they don’t necessarily benefit from an extremely long cooking time.
Let the lamb rest: Allow the cooked chops to rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the juices can settle.
What to Serve With Lamb Chops
These lamb chops pair beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Buttered rice
- Couscous
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Peas
- Sautéed spinach
- Fresh garden salad
- Crusty bread
For an especially comforting meal, serve the lamb over mashed potatoes and spoon the rich onion gravy over everything.
Easy Variations
Garlic Herb Lamb Chops
Add extra fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic for a stronger herb flavor.
Mediterranean-Style
Add lemon zest, oregano, sliced bell peppers, and a handful of olives.
Mushroom Lamb Chops
Add sliced mushrooms during the final 1–2 hours of cooking.
Spicy Lamb Chops
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
Creamy Gravy
Stir a small amount of heavy cream into the strained cooking juices before serving for a richer sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover lamb chops and their sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a covered skillet with some of the cooking juices or gravy. This helps prevent the lamb from drying out.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Lamb Chops are a wonderfully comforting dinner when you want rich, flavorful meat without spending hours at the stove. Searing the chops first gives them extra flavor, while slow cooking with garlic, onion, rosemary, thyme, and savory broth creates a delicious sauce.
Serve them with mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables for a hearty homemade meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.