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Slow Cooker Lamb Chops with Red Wine Sauce

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Lamb chops often conjure images of sizzling grills, quick searing in a hot pan, and a delicate pink center—a dish of refined elegance typically reserved for special occasions or a chef’s skilled hand. The rich, distinctive flavor of lamb, especially when paired with a robust red wine sauce, is a culinary classic, celebrated in fine dining establishments and cherished in homes across the Mediterranean and Europe. But what if you could achieve that same gourmet tenderness and depth of flavor with the convenience of your slow cooker? This Slow Cooker Lamb Chops with Red Wine Sauce recipe proves that you can, transforming a traditionally quick-cook cut into a fall-off-the-bone masterpiece with minimal fuss.

  • Total Time: 260
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lamb Chops:

  • 4-6 Lamb Chops: (Shoulder or Loin Chops, about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing
  • ½ tsp Sea Salt:
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground

For the Red Wine Sauce:

  • 1 large Yellow Onion: Chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic: Minced
  • 1 large Carrot: Peeled and diced
  • 1 stalk Celery: Diced
  • 1 cup Dry Red Wine: (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)
  • 1 cup Beef Broth: Low sodium
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste:
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary: Chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme: Chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 Bay Leaf:

For Finishing (Optional):

  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch: Mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (for thickening sauce)
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear Lamb Chops: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Transfer the seared chops to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour the red wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Pour this mixture over the lamb chops in the slow cooker.
  4. Add Broth & Bay Leaf: Add the beef broth and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Ensure the chops are mostly submerged in the liquid. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 2 to 3 hours, until the lamb chops are fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone.
  6. Thicken Sauce (Optional): Carefully remove the lamb chops and bay leaf from the slow cooker and set aside. If you desire a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  7. Serve: Return the lamb chops to the thickened sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Choosing Chops: Thicker lamb shoulder chops or loin chops work best for slow cooking as they have more fat and connective tissue to break down, resulting in maximum tenderness. Rib chops are generally too lean for this method.
  • Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the lamb chops before slow cooking is crucial. It creates a flavorful crust and adds depth to the overall dish, a step that truly elevates the final taste.
  • Wine Choice: Use a red wine you would enjoy drinking. The flavors will concentrate during cooking, so a good quality wine makes a difference. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute with additional beef broth.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, roasted asparagus, or green beans to soak up the rich red wine sauce.
  • Author: Elle
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 240
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten-Free