21 ways to turn lamb into a great spring dinner

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Lamb shows up a lot this time of year. Maybe you see it at the store, maybe it’s on your Easter menu, or maybe you bought some and now you’re figuring out what to cook with it. Lamb doesn’t need to feel intimidating or reserved for special occasions. It cooks quickly as chops and kebabs, works well in skillets and stews, and holds up to bold flavors without much effort.

Skillet lamb chops with tarragon mustard sauce and cipollini onions.
Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Air fryer lamb chops sliced on a plate with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a strong option when you want something different without spending all evening in the kitchen. A quick marinade of olive oil, lemon, garlic and herbs builds flavor while the air fryer handles the rest. The chops cook in about 10 minutes and come out juicy with lightly crisp edges. Serve them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for an easy spring dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Apple cider braised lamb shanks on a gray plate with fresh thyme sprigs.
Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb shanks slowly cook in apple cider with onions and herbs until the meat turns tender enough to pull apart easily. The cider adds sweetness while the long braise develops a rich sauce in the pot. This meal works well for a relaxed evening when the stove can do most of the work. Spoon the lamb over mashed potatoes or grains and dinner feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

BBQ Lamb Ribs

BBQ lamb ribs on a sheet pan.
BBQ Lamb Ribs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb ribs pick up plenty of flavor from a bold barbecue rub and sauce before heading onto the grill. The ribs cook low and slow until tender while the sauce caramelizes along the edges. This meal fits right into spring grilling season and pairs well with simple sides like slaw or roasted vegetables. Once finished, the ribs pull apart easily and make a great sharing dish.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Lamb Ribs

Easiest Braised Leg of Lamb

Shredded braised leg of lamb on a plate.
Easiest Braised Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A braised leg of lamb creates a hearty meal with very little active cooking time. The meat cooks slowly with garlic, herbs and broth until it becomes tender and easy to shred. Once finished, the lamb works in bowls, tacos or served straight from the pan with vegetables. The long cook time builds flavor while the preparation stays simple.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Braised Leg of Lamb

Lamb Tacos

Lamb tacos with radishes, red onions, onions and sliced green chiles.
Lamb Tacos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb tacos bring something different to the table while still keeping dinner familiar. The lamb cooks quickly in a skillet with spices before getting tucked into tortillas with fresh toppings. The meat stays juicy and works well with simple additions like cabbage, salsa or yogurt sauce. Dinner lands on the table in about 30 minutes and feels relaxed enough for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Tacos

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Grilled lamb chops with peaches over baby greens on a white serving platter.
Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These lamb chops cook fast on the grill while a peach and honey glaze adds sweetness that balances the richness of the meat. The glaze caramelizes lightly as the chops cook, creating a flavorful crust. Pair them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables and the whole meal feels right for spring evenings. The grilling time stays short, usually around 10 to 12 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb

Sheet pan Mediterranean roasted lamb with tomatoes and chickpeas.
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dinner keeps things easy with lamb, vegetables and seasonings roasting together on one sheet pan. Garlic, olive oil and herbs coat the ingredients while the oven handles the cooking. Everything finishes in about 25 minutes with minimal cleanup afterward. Serve the lamb with rice, flatbread or roasted potatoes to round out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb

Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Skillet lamb chops with tarragon mustard sauce and cipollini onions.
Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops sear quickly in a hot skillet while cipollini onions soften and caramelize alongside them. A simple honey mustard sauce ties everything together without requiring extra steps. The whole dish comes together in about 25 minutes and stays entirely on the stovetop. It’s a practical option for a spring dinner when you want something quick but still flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs

Smoky grilled lamb kebabs with apricots and a side salad.
Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cubes of lamb thread onto skewers with dried apricots and vegetables before hitting the grill. The apricots add sweetness that balances the savory meat. The kebabs cook quickly over high heat and finish in about 15 minutes. Serve them with rice or a simple salad for a relaxed outdoor meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs

Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Lamb ragu with cavatappi pasta in a white skillet.
Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground lamb simmers in a tomato based sauce with spices and harissa to create a bold ragu. The sauce thickens as it cooks and coats pasta easily. Everything happens in one skillet and finishes in about 30 minutes. Spoon the ragu over pasta and dinner feels hearty without complicated preparation.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Spring Lamb Nachos

Spring lamb nachos.
Spring Lamb Nachos. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground lamb cooks with spices before getting piled over tortilla chips with vegetables and feta. The lamb brings richness while the toppings add freshness that fits well with spring. Bake the tray until the cheese melts and everything comes together. It’s a casual dinner that works well for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Spring Lamb Nachos

Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

Za'atar grilled rack of lamb chops on a plate.
Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A rack of lamb coated with za’atar and olive oil heads straight to the grill for quick cooking. The spice blend forms a flavorful crust while the meat stays tender inside. The rack grills in about 15 minutes depending on thickness. Slice it into chops and serve with simple vegetables or grains.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb

Chocolate Lamb Chili

A bowl of lamb chili  garnished with cilantro, jalapeños and green onions with a gold spoon.
Chocolate Lamb Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chopped lamb cooks slowly with beans, tomatoes and spices to create a thick chili. A small amount of cocoa adds depth without overpowering the dish. The chili simmers until the flavors settle together and the lamb turns tender. It’s a hearty dinner that works well for cooler spring evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Lamb Chili

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb takes the place of beef in this rich pasta sauce that cooks slowly with tomatoes, garlic and herbs. The sauce thickens as it simmers and clings to pasta easily. Serve it over noodles and finish with grated cheese for a comforting dinner. The dish comes together with pantry ingredients and steady simmering.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Pistachio crusted lamb chops served over mashed potatoes with cherry sauce.
Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb chops get coated with crushed pistachios before roasting or pan searing. The nuts create a crisp crust that contrasts nicely with the tender meat. A cherry sauce adds brightness and rounds out the plate. The dish cooks quickly and works well for a slightly more polished spring dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops

Butterflied Leg of Lamb

Butterflied lamb on a wooden cutting board with rosemary sprigs and cranberry goat cheese filling.
Butterflied Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A butterflied leg of lamb cooks faster than a traditional roast while still delivering plenty of flavor. The lamb spreads flat and roasts evenly in about 30 minutes. Fill the center with goat cheese, herbs or fruit before rolling it back together. Slice it and serve with vegetables or grains for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Butterflied Leg of Lamb

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

A bowl of chickpea stew with couscous and pita bread.
Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb simmers slowly with lentils, chickpeas and spices in a hearty stew. The legumes add texture and help make the dish filling enough for dinner. As the stew cooks, the flavors deepen and the lamb becomes tender. Serve it with bread or rice for a comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Citrus Braised Lamb Shanks

Lamb shank topped with green sauce served on a bed of mashed potatoes, with lemon wedges and spinach in the background.
Citrus braised lamb shanks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb shanks cook slowly with citrus, garlic and spices until the meat turns soft and easy to pull from the bone. The citrus adds brightness that balances the richness of the lamb. The braise develops a flavorful sauce as it cooks. Serve the shanks over grains or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Braised Lamb Shanks

Lamb Korma

A bowl of creamy chicken curry served with white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. Another bowl with the same dish and a small bowl of cilantro leaves are visible nearby on a wooden surface.
Lamb Korma. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb cooks in a creamy spiced sauce built from yogurt, onions and aromatics. The sauce thickens as it simmers and coats the pieces of lamb. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a hearty dinner that comes together with steady stovetop cooking. The spices add depth while keeping the dish balanced.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Korma

Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

A bowl of soup with meat and vegetables.
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb cooks slowly in the slow cooker with beans, mushrooms and greens until the meat becomes tender. The long cooking time allows the broth to develop flavor while you handle other things. Dinner is ready after several hours with minimal effort. Serve it in bowls with bread for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

Cranberry pesto stuffed lamb sliced on a plate with a serving fork.
Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A lamb roast fills with cranberry pesto and pine nuts before roasting in the oven. The filling adds brightness and texture while the lamb cooks through. Slice the roast and the colorful filling shows through each piece. It works well for spring gatherings or a special dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb

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