This Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb recipe is a classic and elegant dish perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal. The combination of garlic, rosemary, and perfectly roasted lamb creates a flavorful and tender centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The garlic and rosemary infuse the lamb with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Tender and Juicy: Roasting the lamb to the correct internal temperature ensures a tender and juicy result.
- Versatile: Can be served with a variety of side dishes, and leftovers are great in sandwiches or salads.
- Impressive: This dish makes a stunning presentation for any gathering.
Ingredients
Boneless Leg of Lamb Roast
- Boneless leg of lamb: The main protein source.
- Garlic cloves: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil: Used for rubbing the roast and adding moisture.
- Dried rosemary: Provides a fragrant and herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Roasted Potatoes (Optional)
- Potatoes: Cubed, provides a hearty side dish.
- Carrots: Sliced, adds sweetness and texture.
- Garlic powder: Adds a concentrated garlic flavor.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
- Prepare the Lamb:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Make small incisions in the lamb and insert garlic slivers.
- Rub the lamb with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the Lamb:
- Place the lamb in a roasting pan or Dutch oven.
- Roast until the desired internal temperature is reached.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Rest the Lamb:
- Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Remove the casing from the lamb.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the lamb against the grain and serve warm.
Roast Potatoes (Optional)
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Scoop out some of the fat and drippings from the roasting pan.
- Add potatoes, carrots, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the Potatoes:
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for about 35 minutes, or until tender.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the lamb is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Don’t Remove the Casing: Keep the netting or rope on the lamb during cooking to prevent it from falling apart.
- Let the Lamb Rest: Resting the lamb allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the internal temperature frequently towards the end of cooking.
- Make Ahead: You can stuff and season the roast ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
How to Serve
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with the roasted potatoes and carrots from the recipe, or other roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- With Mashed Potatoes or Grains: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa.
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- In Sandwiches or Salads: Use leftover lamb in sandwiches or salads for a delicious and easy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the lamb by stuffing and seasoning it, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before roasting.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover lamb in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover lamb sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
FAQs
- What is the best internal temperature for lamb?
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium-well: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Well-done: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
- Yes, you can use fresh rosemary. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary for every 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
- Can I add other herbs or spices?
- Yes, you can add other herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or garlic powder.
- Can I use a different type of potatoes?
- Yes, you can use any type of potatoes, such as red potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Roasting
Description
This Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb is a flavorful and tender centerpiece for any special occasion. Infused with garlic and rosemary, and roasted to your desired doneness, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Boneless Leg of Lamb Roast:
- 4–5 pounds boneless leg of lamb
- 5–7 large garlic cloves, cut into slivers
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Roasted Potatoes After (Optional):
- 2 pounds potatoes, cubed
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Lamb: In a roasting pan or Dutch oven, place lamb. Make 20-30 inserts with a paring knife. Stick garlic slivers into each opening.
- Season Lamb: Rub roast with olive oil. Sprinkle one side with half of the rosemary, salt, and pepper. Turn and repeat on the other side.
- Roast Lamb: Bake uncovered until desired doneness:
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) internal temperature – about 16 minutes/pound.
- Medium Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C) internal temperature – about 18 minutes/pound.
- Well-Done: 150-155°F (66-68°C) internal temperature – about 20 minutes/pound.
- Check Temperature: For a 4-5 pound roast, check internal temperature after 1 hour. For a 2-3 pound roast, check after 45 minutes.
- Rest Lamb: Remove lamb from oven and let rest uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Remove Casing: Remove and discard the casing.
- Slice and Serve: Slice lamb into 1/4 inch slices against the grain. Serve warm.
Roast Potatoes in Fat Drippings (Optional):
- Prepare Drippings: Scoop out 1 cup of fat and drippings from the pan, leaving the rest.
- Add Vegetables: Add potatoes, carrots, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Roast Vegetables: Bake at 450°F (230°C) for about 35 minutes or until fork-tender.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Stuff and season roast, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Let come to room temperature before roasting.
- Store: Refrigerate roast whole or sliced in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze leftovers sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
- Keep Casing On: Do not remove the casing before cooking; it holds the meat together.
- Adjust for Oven: Check with an internal meat thermometer 1/2 hour before the end of cooking time.
- Resting: Internal temperature will rise while meat is resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 362 mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 73g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 24mg