When it comes to cooking lamb in the crockpot, the cut of meat you choose is important. The right cut will become fall-apart tender after several hours of slow cooking, while the wrong cuts may end up tough and chewy. The best cuts of lamb for the crockpot are those from the shoulder, leg, and ribs.
Shoulder
Cuts from the shoulder, like lamb shoulder chops and lamb shoulder roast, are excellent choices for the crockpot. The shoulder contains a lot of connective tissue that breaks down as the meat cooks low and slow, leaving you with tender, juicy lamb.
Lamb Shoulder Chops
Bone-in lamb shoulder chops cook up moist and flavorful after 6-8 hours on low in the crockpot. Make sure there is some liquid like broth or sauce to braise the chops. The bone adds extra flavor.
Lamb Shoulder Roast
A boneless lamb shoulder roast is a prime cut for the crockpot. Cook it for 8-10 hours on low until the meat shreds easily with a fork. Pull the lamb into chunks and use it for sandwiches, tacos, pasta dishes, and more.
Leg
The leg is another excellent source of cuts like lamb shanks that work perfectly in the slow cooker. The leg contains lots of collagen that breaks down into gelatin, keeping the meat succulent.
Lamb Shanks
Lamb shanks require long, slow braising to become fall-off-the-bone tender. Cook them for 8-10 hours on low in the crockpot until the meat is practically sliding off the bone. Braise them in wine, broth, or tomato sauce.
Ribs
Lamb ribs have great flavor and suit the moist environment of the crockpot. Look for lamb Breast ribs which contain more meat. Cook them for 6-8 hours on low in a sauce until tender.
Other Tips for Crockpot Lamb
- Trim off any excess fat to prevent greasiness
- Add aromatic veggies like onions, carrots, celery
- Use a flavorful liquid like wine, broth, or tomato sauce
- Add herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, garlic, cumin
- Let the lamb rest before serving
- Make sandwiches, tacos, pasta, or salads with the shredded lamb
Conclusion
The shoulder, leg, and rib cuts are the best choices when cooking lamb in the crockpot. They contain plenty of collagen that transforms into succulent, fork-tender meat after hours of low, slow cooking. Shoulder roasts and chops, lamb shanks, and lamb ribs are prime crockpot cuts that will come out moist and full of flavor. Follow these tips when cooking lamb in the crockpot for perfect results every time.