18 Lamb Recipes for Spring

There are so many delicious ways to prepare this versatile protein.

By
Emily Weinberger
Emily Weinberger
Emily Weinberger
Emily has spent the last decade creating and editing recipes for major publications, such as Good Housekeeping, Food52, Woman's Day Magazine, and Pioneer Woman Magazine. 
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published April 03, 2025
Emily Weinberger
Rack of lamb cut into chops on cutting board

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Whether you stew it, roast it, grill it, or fry it up in a skillet, lamb on the menu makes it feel like a special occasion. Lamb is a celebratory main to share for spring holidays and gatherings, while also working beautifully for weeknight meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to prepare lamb, from slow-cooked braises and stews to quick burgers and meatballs.

  • Roast Leg of Lamb

    Sliced Roast Leg of Lamb with pink center
    Elise Bauer

    This leg of lamb gets the trifecta treatment: a long marinade to boost the flavor, a quick sear to give it flavor, and a slow roast to create super tender bites. It's an impressive main to share at spring gatherings.

  • Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic

    Lamb Lollipops cooked rare, sliced, and served on a plate
    Elise Bauer

    Rub the chops with rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper and quickly sear them on the stovetop for a special, delicate, tender, and juicy dinner on the table in no time.

  • Lamb Curry

    Lamb Curry in bowl with a bowl of rice on the side
    Elise Bauer

    The secret to this curry is to slowly cook it over low heat to tenderize the meat and give the flavors of the spice blend, apples, and raisins time to marry.

  • Classic Rack of Lamb

    Rack of lamb cut into chops on cutting board

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    Deeply juicy, crispy on the outside, tender and pink on the inside, and oh-so impressive on the dinner table.

    Continue to 5 of 18 below

  • Kabuli Palao (Afghan Lamb Shanks with Rice, Carrots, and Raisins)

    Kabuli Palao (Afghan Lamb Shanks with Rice, Carrots, and Raisins)

    Simply Recipes / John Robinson

    "[Chef Khadija Hemmati] taught me how to make kabuli palao, a traditional Afghan dish of tender spiced lamb served alongside rice bejeweled with almonds, pistachios, carrots, and sultanas. Each component is prepared and cooked separately, and then beautifully layered right before serving." —Myo Quinn, Contributor

  • Spring Lamb Stew

    Spring Lamb Stew
    Elise Bauer

    This stew cooks low and slow with spring onions, peas, and new potatoes, which soak up the flavorful broth they swim in.

  • Lamb Loin Chops with Mint Chimichurri

    lamb chops with mint chimichurri
    Elise Bauer

    Ready in under 30 minutes! Tender lamb loin chops are quickly seared just until golden brown on the outside and perfectly pink on the inside then topped with a quick chimichurri.

  • Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb

    Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb
    Elise Bauer

    A butterflied leg of lamb has the bone removed so it cooks evenly and a little faster. Serve with mint jelly, or try mint chimichurri or horseradish sauce.

    Continue to 9 of 18 below

  • Spiced Lamb Meatloaf

    Moroccan Meatloaf
    Elise Bauer

    This spin on classic meatloaf uses a combination of ground lamb and ground beef that's jazzed up with Moroccan-inspired flavors of cinnamon, cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne. The meatloaf is then topped with a sweet-tangy glaze made with pomegranate molasses and chipotle chile powder.

  • Braised Lamb Shanks

    Braised Lamb Shanks
    Elise Bauer

    Braising naturally tough lamb shanks low and slow makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.

  • Irish Lamb Stew with Bacon

    Irish lamb stew
    Elise Bauer

    This recipe had me at “bacon fat.” Chunks of lamb shoulder are browned in bacon fat before simmering for hours with more bacon, potatoes, carrots, turnips, and thyme.

  • Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

    Greek Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
    Sabrina Modelle

    Lamb burgers spiked with Greek-inspired flavors like garlic, lemon, and oregano and slathered with bright and tangy homemade tzatziki.

    Continue to 13 of 18 below

  • Spicy Lamb Stew

    spicy lamb stew on white bowl
    Elise Bauer

    Warm spices like cardamom, hot paprika, and cumin intensify the lamb's flavors while the tomatoes create an almost drinkable sauce that soaks into fluffy couscous for the perfect bite.

  • Lamb Korma

    lamb-korma-horiz-a-1600
    Elise Bauer

    This korma is deliciously brothy and seasoned with warm spices like cloves, peppercorns, cardamom, coriander seeds, and cumin. Make sure to sop up the sauce with flatbread.

  • Greek Meatballs

    Greek Meatballs on serving plate
    Elise Bauer

    You can make these lamb meatballs flavored with orange zest, mint, and garlic ahead of time and reheat right before serving. Add a swipe of tangy Greek yogurt for dipping!

  • Basque Lamb Stew

    Basque Lamb Stew in Bowl
    Elise Bauer

    In this stew inspired by Basque flavors, lamb shoulder is slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce that's spiced with paprika for smokiness and brightened with herbs. Serve with crusty bread for soaking the sauce.

    Continue to 17 of 18 below

  • Instant Pot Shepherd's Pie

    Cottage Pie in the Pressure Cooker
    Emma Christensen

    Make a weeknight-friendly version of tender shepherd's pie topped with fluffy mashed potatoes with the help of your Instant Pot.

  • Moussaka

    A piece of eggplant moussaka on a plate with a glass of wine and a salad behind it.
    Alison Bickel

    This savory Greek casserole is layered with ground lamb, potatoes, eggplant, cheese, and a ton of bold spices, all smothered with a hearty béchamel sauce.

Explore More: