Name: Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into large wedges; 3 large tomatoes, cut into big chunks; 1 red pepper, cut into large chunks; 1 large red onion (or 2 smaller), peeled and chopped into chunks; 3 bay leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 pounds leg of lamb (bone-in, or lamb shoulder); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 lemon; 1 head of garlic; Feta cheese; Tzatziki or Greek yogurt; Salad greens; Fresh crusty bread

If you’ve ever wanted to impress family or guests without slaving away in the kitchen, this Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how the lamb turns melt-in-your-mouth tender with just a handful of simple ingredients and a whole lot of cozy, slow-cooked magic. Promise me you’ll keep reading, because you’re going to want to make this on repeat once you discover just how easy and flavorful it is!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooking: Just prep, pop it in the oven, and let it do all the work while you relax or entertain.
Authentic Greek Flavors: This recipe uses classic aromas like oregano, cinnamon, and lemon to bring a genuine Mediterranean feel to your table.
One-Pot Wonder: The veggies roast right underneath the lamb, soaking up all that succulent flavor – minimal cleanup guaranteed.
Perfect for Gatherings: Serves a crowd and always gets rave reviews from friends and family.

A white bowl holds a colorful layered meal, beginning with a base of roasted golden potatoes mixed with small red pieces and sprinkled with green herbs. On top of the potatoes, there are dark, shredded pieces of meat with a blackened charred edge, topped with white crumbles of soft cheese and sprigs of fresh thyme. A lemon wedge is placed near the front edge of the bowl. To the side of the bowl, there are two toasted slices of bread with a golden-brown crust. In the back of the bowl, there is a small pile of fresh green salad leaves, some with a hint of purple. The bowl sits on a green and white checked cloth with a red and white checked cloth in the blurred background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The blend of simple, fresh ingredients really elevates this Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe. Choosing quality lamb and fresh veggies is key, and the seasonings you’ll use are classic staples that bring everything together perfectly.

Potatoes: I prefer waxy potatoes that hold their shape well during slow cooking.
Tomatoes: Go for ripe, juicy ones to add natural sweetness and acidity.
Red pepper: Adds a lovely mild sweetness and color contrast.
Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth once roasted slow and low.
Bay leaves: Essential for that herbal, warming aroma.
Leg of lamb (bone in): Bone-in adds flavor and helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for that signature Mediterranean flavor.
Dried oregano: Can’t do Greek without this herb!
Ground cinnamon: Just a hint gives the lamb an amazing aromatic warmth.
Lemon: Both juice and rind brighten the whole dish fantastically.
Garlic: Inserted into the meat and scattered around for mellow, roasted garlic sweetness.
Feta cheese, tzatziki/Greek yogurt, salad, crusty bread: Perfect finishing touches to balance rich lamb flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe pretty traditional for that authentic feel, but feel free to make it your own! Spicing it up or adding your favorite veggies is a great way to put your personal twist on this classic dish.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or some smoked paprika when rubbing the lamb for a subtle heat I adore on cooler nights.
Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I swap out the red pepper for zucchini or add some carrots for a bit more sweetness.
Herbal Boost: Fresh rosemary or thyme can blend beautifully with oregano if you want more complexity.
Meat Alternatives: Lamb shoulder works wonderfully too, and if you’re adventurous, try this technique with beef chuck roast for a different slow-cooked delight.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Set the Stage

Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into large wedges—that way they hold their shape during the long cook. Chop your tomatoes, red pepper, and onion into big chunks as well. Toss them all together with the bay leaves in a sturdy ovenproof pot or a deep roasting dish. Give them a good grind of salt and pepper. Pro tip: scatter enough salt now because these veggies soak up flavor as they slow roast under the lamb.

Step 2: Season and Layer the Lamb

Place your lamb leg on top of the veggie bed, fat side facing up so the juices baste the vegetables below. Rub olive oil all over, then sprinkle with dried oregano and cinnamon. The cinnamon adds just a whisper of warmth that makes this lamb special. Squeeze half a lemon over the lamb for a bright citrus zing.

Step 3: Garlic In Every Bite

Peel half the cloves from your garlic head and roughly chop them. Using a sharp knife, poke small slits around the lamb and shove these garlic chunks inside—this little trick ensures garlic flavor seeps deeply into the meat during roasting. Tuck the remaining unpeeled garlic cloves around the lamb and veg. Then squeeze the other half of the lemon juice all over the veggies before pouring in about 200ml of water. This keeps everything moist and tender.

Step 4: Slow Roast to Perfection

Cover your pot with a lid or foil if using a roasting dish, and pop it in a preheated oven at 160°C / 320°F. Let it roast gently for 4 hours. You’ll want to check the pot halfway through and about two thirds way to add a little more water if things seem dry—a moist environment is key for that fall-apart lamb texture. Trust me, the slow, low roast is what makes this dish an absolute showstopper.

Step 5: Finish with a Flavourful Crunch

About 15 minutes before the end, remove the lid or foil, give the dish a splash more water if needed, and crank the oven up to 220°C / 430°F. This last burst of heat crisps and browns the potatoes and vegetables just enough to give you amazing texture contrast. Don’t forget to fish out those bay leaves before serving!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe

Garlic Insertion Trick: Inserting garlic inside slits in the lamb infuses the meat with a mellow roasted flavor instead of just surface garlic taste.
Don’t Rush the Roast: Slow cooking at a lower temperature for four hours is what makes the lamb fall-apart tender and juicy – rushing this step won’t give you the same result.
Keep an Eye on Moisture: Adding water during cooking keeps the environment moist and prevents the veggies or lamb from drying out.
Crisp Up at the End: The final high-temp roasting step is essential for beautiful browning and texture, so don’t skip it!

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe

A large white pot filled with layers of cooked ingredients sits on a white marbled surface with a green and white checkered cloth and a red and white checkered towel nearby. At the bottom are vibrant roasted tomatoes in red with wrinkled skin, and sliced golden-yellow vegetables, possibly potatoes or parsnips. On top of these is a large chunk of dark, well-cooked meat with a charred outer layer and soft, pinkish inside being sliced by a knife held in one woman’s hand, while a fork in a woman’s hand holds the meat steady. Sprigs of fresh green thyme lay on top adding a touch of color and herby texture. The pot’s inside walls show browned cooking marks, suggesting a slow-cooked meal. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle crumbled feta over the top when serving—its salty creaminess complements the lamb beautifully. A dollop of creamy tzatziki or Greek yogurt adds a fresh, cooling contrast that my family goes crazy for. A good drizzle of olive oil over warm bread rounds out the experience perfectly.

Side Dishes

Since the lamb and veggies are so hearty, I keep the sides simple. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is my go-to. Sometimes I add warm pita bread or crusty artisan bread to soak up all the delicious juices. Roasted or grilled vegetables are lovely too if you want a veggie overload!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, try serving your Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb Kleftiko on a big rustic platter surrounded by lemon wedges and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. I once wrapped individual portions in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming, rustic look—guests loved unwrapping their own little lamb parcels!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lamb and vegetables in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight! When I reheat, I gently warm everything in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I portion it in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The slow-cooked lamb retains tenderness even after freezing, making it a great meal prep option.

Reheating

I find reheating gently in a low oven or on the stovetop works best to keep the lamb juicy. Cover the dish to keep moisture in and add a few tablespoons of water if needed. Avoid microwaving directly as this can dry out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use boneless lamb instead of bone-in for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless lamb shoulder or leg, but keep in mind bone-in lamb usually has more flavor and stays juicier during the long cook. If using boneless, you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on moisture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cinnamon?

If you don’t have ground cinnamon, a touch of ground allspice or nutmeg works well to add that warm background note, but don’t skip spices entirely—it’s the little hints that make this lamb shine.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Brown the lamb first for extra flavor, then layer the veggies below and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender. Finish by roasting uncovered in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes to get that nice caramelized top.
What sides go best with Lamb Kleftiko?

Traditional Greek sides like a simple green salad, tzatziki, fresh pita or crusty bread, and feta cheese work perfectly and balance the richness of the lamb.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooked Greek Lamb (Lamb Kleftiko) Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something impressive but fuss-free. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. If you’re craving that authentic Mediterranean comfort food vibe without complicated steps, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how hands-off yet flavorful it is, and I promise it’ll become a family favorite before long!