Beef and lamb are two red meats that pair perfectly together in stews, curries, and other slow cooked dishes. Their complementary flavors and textures create rich depth and hearty satisfaction.
While they require similar cooking times, there are some tips and tricks to successfully slow cooking beef and lamb together Follow this guide for delicious results
Why Combine Beef and Lamb?
Cooking beef and lamb together offers several advantages:
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Complementary flavors – Beef offers earthy, savory depth while lamb lends a slight sweet gaminess. Their flavors balance each other.
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Varied textures – Lamb is tender while beef can be heartier with more chew. The contrast makes dishes more interesting
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Nutrient diversity – You get the iron in beef along with the zinc, selenium, and vitamin B12 in lamb.
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Stretching expensive cuts – Adding cheaper beef to lamb stretches your budget for expensive cuts like lamb shanks or racks.
Blending the two meats gives you the best of both worlds in one hearty, healthy, and economical dish.
Choosing Cuts for Slow Cooking
Select cuts of beef and lamb that become melt-in-your-mouth tender when braised:
Beef: Chuck roast, brisket, short ribs, oxtails, shanks
Lamb: Shoulder, shanks, neck slices, breast
Browning the meats before slow cooking enhances flavor. Cook beef in batches first since lamb browns faster.
Recipe Inspiration
Some classic recipes perfectly suited for slow cooking beef and lamb together include:
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Hearty stews – Beef and lamb stew is a savory, satisfying combo.
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Warming curries – Try beef and lamb curries flavored with spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric.
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Rustic ragus – Braise with tomatoes, red wine, and herbs for a rich ragu.
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Filling chili – Cook with beans and chili powder for a super protein-packed chili.
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Soulful shepherd’s pie – Make a comforting cottage pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips for Slow Cooking
Follow these tips for best results:
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Brown beef first since lamb browns faster. Cook lamb separately.
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Cut meats into 1-2 inch pieces so they cook evenly.
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Add lamb later since it cooks faster than beef.
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Use a full-bodied liquid like wine, stock, or tomatoes.
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Add dried herbs and spices at the beginning. Save fresh herbs for the end.
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Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 until meat is fall-apart tender.
Combination Ratios
The ratio of beef to lamb depends on your taste preferences:
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Beef-heavy – Use 3:1 or 2:1 beef to lamb for a deeper, beefier flavor.
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Lamb-heavy – Try 1:1 or 1:2 lamb to beef for stronger lamb taste.
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Balanced – A 1:1 ratio keeps both meat flavors equal.
Mix and match cuts and ratios to find your perfect beef and lamb combo.
Recipe Adjustments
Adapt recipes with these modifications for slow cooking beef and lamb:
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Increase cooking liquid slightly since there is less evaporation.
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Add extra vegetables to fill the cooker and absorb flavors.
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Use broth, wine, or tomatoes to provide lots of moisture.
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Skip cream or dairy that can curdle during extended cooking.
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Thicken stew with cornstarch at the end instead of flour.
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Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
Serve braised beef and lamb dishes over:
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Mashed potatoes, polenta, or grits
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Buttered egg noodles or pasta
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Steamed rice or riced cauliflower
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Warm naan, flatbread, or biscuits
Top with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, or gremolata for brightness.
FAQs About Cooking Beef and Lamb
Get answers to some common questions about slow cooking beef and lamb:
Should beef or lamb go in the slow cooker first?
Brown beef in batches first, then add lamb since it cooks faster.
How long does lamb take to cook in a slow cooker?
Cook lamb for 7-9 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.
What’s the best cut of lamb for stews?
Shoulder or shanks work well since they get very tender.
Can you overcook beef in a slow cooker?
It’s difficult if cooking on low. Meat pulls apart easily when it’s ready.
Should I sear meat before the slow cooker?
Yes, searing adds great flavor. Just pat dry before browning.
Satisfying and Simple
Slow cooking beef and lamb together results in fork-tender meat and deep, concentrated flavors. With the right cuts, cook times, and seasonings these hearty braised dishes come together easily. Warm up any cold night with wholesome stews and curries packed with beef and lamb.
Adapting your favourite beef and lamb recipes
Your favourite beef and lamb recipes can be easily cooked in a slow cooker. Look through the recipe book that came with your slow cooker to find a recipe that is like the one you want to make. Make sure that the food and/or liquid fill at least half to three quarters of the slow cooker’s removable bowl. This is the most important rule.
Smaller size slow cookers will generally take a regular recipe designed for 4 or 6 people. Cooking in the larger slow cookers may mean that you need to double the ingredients in the recipe.
If the dish is still too wet after cooking, take off the lid and cook on high for another 30 to 40 minutes.
Using a slow cooker is an easy way to create deliciously tender beef, lamb, veal or goat meals. Follow our simple tips below to create the perfect dish everytime.
- Taking the time to brown the beef before cooking makes the dish taste better. Brown the beef in small batches. Keep the heat level in the pan at a moderate level. This will help the meat brown evenly instead of stewing or burning.
- The best results will come from making sure the slow cooker is at least halfway full and no more than three quarters full. If it’s too full the meal won’t cook properly. The dish might cook too long if the slow cooker isn’t full enough.
- Ensure the liquid doesn’t cover the food completely. This is because more liquid is made when food steams while it’s cooking.
- The slow cooker’s high setting lets you cook the food for four to five hours. Stir occasionally to ensure a good flavour distribution.
- If you have more time, you can cook your beef and lamb dish on the low setting of a slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours. Little to no stirring is required.
- Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain the temperature.