Roasted Lamb with Potatoes

Golden roasted lamb with potatoes, glistening and tender with herb-infused aromas, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Golden roasted lamb with potatoes, glistening and tender with herb-infused aromas, ready to serve. | cookingwithyvette.com

This dish highlights a succulent leg of lamb, rubbed with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest, then oven-roasted to tender perfection. Accompanying the lamb are Yukon Gold potatoes tossed in olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice, roasted alongside to soak up pan juices. The result is a harmonious blend of aromatic, savory flavors ideal for family gatherings or festive occasions. Resting the lamb ensures juicy slices, while the seasoned potatoes provide a golden, crispy contrast.

Discovering this roasted lamb with potatoes recipe was like finding a treasured family secret; the aroma that fills the kitchen instantly transports me to cozy dinners surrounded by laughter and warmth.

I remember the first time unexpected guests arrived and how this dish saved the day, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable celebration.

Ingredients

  • Lamb: I always choose bone-in leg lamb for its rich flavor and tenderness after slow roasting
  • Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my go-to because they crisp beautifully but stay fluffy inside
  • Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring that authentic Mediterranean aroma every time

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and gather your ingredients, feeling the fresh rosemary and thyme between your fingers as their scent awakens your senses
Make the Herb Paste:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic slices, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until fragrant, with the lemon zest adding a bright pop
Prep the Lamb:
Pat the leg of lamb dry, then gently work the herb paste into small slits you make in the meat, sealing in all those wonderful flavors
Arrange the Pan:
Place the lamb on a rack in a roasting pan and toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and lemon juice, surrounding the meat with these golden chunks
Add Stock and Roast:
Pour the stock carefully into the pan without drowning the lamb, then roast for an hour and a half, turning potatoes halfway through to get that even crisp
Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, loosely cover the lamb with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes—the juices will settle, making each slice melt in your mouth. Serve with those perfectly roasted potatoes and pan juices.
Aromatic roasted lamb with potatoes, perfectly cooked with crispy edges, presenting a savory family meal. Save to Pinterest
Aromatic roasted lamb with potatoes, perfectly cooked with crispy edges, presenting a savory family meal. | cookingwithyvette.com

This dish became more than just food when we gathered after a long day to celebrate a milestone, the flavors weaving the perfect backdrop to cherished memories.

Keeping It Fresh

If you like, marinate the lamb a few hours ahead to deepen the flavors even more; it really makes the herbs become part of every bite.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Serving this with a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables adds freshness and balance without competing with the star lamb and potatoes.

When You’re Missing Something

If you find yourself short on fresh herbs, dried rosemary works in a pinch though fresh always wins for aroma and taste.

  • Before you walk out, remember a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up just before serving
  • Oh wait one more thing: seasoning can always be adjusted after roasting, don&t be shy to taste as you go
  • Finally, use a meat thermometer if you have one to nail the perfect medium-rare every time
Juicy roasted lamb with potatoes, a Mediterranean delight, featuring golden potatoes and savory pan juices. Save to Pinterest
Juicy roasted lamb with potatoes, a Mediterranean delight, featuring golden potatoes and savory pan juices. | cookingwithyvette.com

Thanks for spending some kitchen time here; I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your table as it has to mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Cooking the lamb until it reaches an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F) yields a medium-rare, tender finish.

Yes, marinating the lamb several hours prior enriches the flavor and enhances tenderness.

Sweet potatoes or carrots can be used to add variety and a different texture alongside the lamb.

Fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lemon zest create an aromatic and balanced flavor profile.

Toss potatoes with oil and seasonings and turn them once halfway through roasting for even browning.

A bold red wine like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the lamb and herbs.

Roasted Lamb with Potatoes

Savor tender lamb and golden potatoes infused with herbs for a comforting main course.

Prep 20m
Cook 90m
Total 110m
Servings 6
Difficulty Medium

Ingredients

Lamb

  • 4 lbs bone-in leg of lamb
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Potatoes

  • 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Juice of 1 lemon

To Finish

  • 1 cup chicken or lamb stock

Instructions

1
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to reach desired roasting temperature.
2
Prepare Herb Paste: Combine olive oil, sliced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper into a paste in a small bowl.
3
Season Lamb: Dry the lamb with paper towels, make small slits in the meat, then thoroughly rub the herb paste over and inside the slits.
4
Arrange Lamb: Place the lamb on a rack set inside a large roasting pan.
5
Season Potatoes: Toss potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and lemon juice; arrange around the lamb in the roasting pan.
6
Add Stock: Pour chicken or lamb stock into the pan around the lamb, avoiding pouring directly over the meat.
7
Roast: Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through. Aim for an internal lamb temperature of 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare.
8
Rest: Remove lamb and potatoes from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
9
Serve: Slice the lamb and serve alongside the roasted potatoes and pan juices.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large roasting pan with rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 580
Protein 45g
Carbs 27g
Fat 32g

Allergy Information

  • Contains no common allergens; verify stock ingredients for possible allergens and gluten.
Yvette Morales

Home cook sharing easy, wholesome recipes and kitchen tips for busy food lovers.