Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1 ½ pounds thickly sliced bacon, diced
• 6 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup water
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 4 cups diced carrots
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large onions, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 8–10 people, depending on portion size.

Steps to Make Hearty Lamb Stew with Bacon and Vegetables

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Start by chopping the onions, garlic, and vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and any additional onions). Set them aside in bowls for easy access during the cooking process.
2. Dice the bacon into small pieces and set it aside.
3. Cut the lamb shoulder into 2-inch chunks, removing any excess fat. Season the lamb pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Brown the Bacon and Lamb

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
3. Working in batches, add the lamb pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5–7 minutes per batch. Make sure to give the lamb enough space to brown evenly, which helps develop a rich flavor. Once browned, remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside with the bacon.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook them over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. Add the flour, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This step will help thicken the stew and give it a smooth, velvety texture. Cook the flour mixture for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly and absorb the flavors in the pot.

4. Add the Liquids

1. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where all the concentrated flavors reside, so don’t skip this step!
2. Add the beef stock, water, and white sugar to the pot, stirring to combine. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the wine and stock, rounding out the flavors in the stew.

5. Return the Lamb and Bacon to the Pot

1. Return the browned lamb and crispy bacon to the pot, stirring to combine.
2. Add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, and the additional onions. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

6. Add the Seasonings

1. Season the stew with dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
2. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 2–2 ½ hours, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.

7. Final Adjustments

1. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
2. Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

8. Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it hot. You can enjoy it as is or serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
2. Enjoy the comforting warmth and richness of this hearty stew with your family and friends.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

There’s a certain magic that happens when simple, humble ingredients come together in one pot to create a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Hearty Lamb Stew with Bacon and Vegetables is a perfect example of how slow cooking can bring out the best in food, transforming tougher cuts of meat like lamb shoulder into tender, flavorful pieces that melt in your mouth.

What makes this stew recipe timeless?

• Classic Ingredients: The combination of lamb, bacon, potatoes, carrots, and onions is a traditional one that has stood the test of time. These ingredients are easily accessible and work beautifully together to create a dish that feels both comforting and luxurious.
• Slow Cooking: The slow simmering process allows all the flavors to develop, resulting in a deeply flavorful stew. The longer the stew cooks, the better it tastes, which is why it’s perfect for family gatherings where you want to prepare a dish in advance.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from the lamb and bacon, fiber from the vegetables, and rich broth to tie everything together, this stew is a filling, well-balanced meal that can serve as the centerpiece of any dinner.
• Versatility: This stew can be modified based on what ingredients you have on hand. For instance, you can swap in other vegetables, add some parsnips for extra flavor, or even switch out the lamb for beef or pork if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 400–450 kcal
• Protein: 30–35 g
• Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
• Fat: 15–20 g
• Fiber: 5–7 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700–900 mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
While lamb is the traditional choice for this stew, you can substitute it with beef, pork, or even chicken. Each type of meat will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, though lamb’s rich, gamey flavor works particularly well in this recipe.

2. Can I prepare this stew in advance?
Yes! In fact, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the lamb is tender.

4. Can I omit the bacon for a leaner version?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you want a lighter version of the stew. While the bacon adds a wonderful depth of flavor and richness, the stew will still be flavorful without it. You can also try using turkey bacon for a lower-fat alternative.

Tips for Perfect Lamb Stew

1. Browning the Meat: Don’t rush the browning step! It’s essential for developing a deep, rich flavor in the stew.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves add layers of flavor to the broth, but make sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.
3. Adjust the Consistency: If the stew becomes too thick, add more beef stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Let It Rest: Like many stews, this dish improves with time. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the stew over low heat, adding a little extra stock or water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

Hearty Lamb Stew with Bacon and Vegetables is not just a meal; it’s an experience. From the moment you start browning the meat to the first spoonful of rich, savory broth, this dish envelops you in warmth and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply for a family dinner, it’s a dish that will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

The combination of tender lamb, crispy bacon, and nourishing vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s both timeless and delicious. So, gather your ingredients, get ready to simmer this incredible stew, and let the rich, hearty flavors fill your home and your heart. Enjoy!