Cody Casey
Slow cooking a leg of lamb in a crock pot is an easy way to prepare a tender and tasty meal. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the lamb and how you want it cooked. For example, a 5-pound bone-in leg of lamb will take longer to cook than a 2-pound boneless leg. The bone-in variety will also require a larger crock pot, such as an 8-quart instead of a 6-quart. The cooking time will also depend on the desired level of doneness, with a medium-rare lamb leg requiring less time in the crock pot than a fall-apart tender roast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot type | Standard size round crockpot |
| Lamb leg weight | 1.9kg / 3.8lb |
| Cooking time | 5 hours |
| Lamb type | Boneless |
| Temperature | High |
| Browning time | 4-5 minutes |
| Browning method | Oven |
| Browning result | Golden brown |
| Gravy | Yes |
| Leftovers | Yes |
| Lamb texture | Tender |
| Lamb appearance | Fall-apart |
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Bone-in vs boneless
When it comes to cooking lamb leg in a crock pot, there are two main options: bone-in or boneless. Both cuts can be delicious when slow-cooked, but there are some key differences to consider.
Bone-in lamb leg:
Bone-in lamb leg typically refers to a cut of meat that includes the bone, usually the femur or "shaft". This cut can be a great option for slow cooking, as the bone can add flavour to the dish. However, one challenge with bone-in lamb leg is getting it to fit into your crock pot. If you have a standard-sized round slow cooker, you may need to ask your butcher to partially cut the shaft so that it bends and fits into the pot. Alternatively, you can purchase half lamb legs that come without the shaft, which will fit more easily into a standard crock pot. An oval slow cooker will typically accommodate a bone-in lamb leg without any modifications.
Boneless lamb leg:
Boneless lamb leg, as the name suggests, is a cut of meat where the bone has been removed. This cut can be a good option if you're new to cooking lamb, as it's less intimidating than a bone-in leg. Boneless lamb legs are also generally easier to fit into a crock pot, especially if you have a smaller or round slow cooker. Boneless lamb legs are often sold rolled and tied, which can help them hold their shape during cooking. However, it's worth noting that boneless lamb legs may require a bit more attention during cooking to ensure they don't dry out.
Cooking times:
The cooking time for your lamb leg will depend on the size of the cut and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, for a medium-rare bone-in lamb leg, aim for an internal temperature of 60°C, which typically takes around 2 hours. For a well-done bone-in lamb leg, you may need to cook it for up to 4 hours. Boneless lamb legs typically take a bit longer to cook, with a cooking time of around 3 to 4 hours on high or 5 to 7 hours on low for a tender, shreddable texture. However, it's always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your lamb, rather than relying solely on cooking times.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for a lamb leg in a crock pot depends on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness. For example, a 5-pound lamb leg will serve eight people or six people with leftovers.
For a medium-rare doneness, a 2.12 kg boneless lamb leg can be cooked at a medium internal temperature of 60°C for a little over 2 hours. The temperature can also be set between 85-100°C for a little over 2 hours or around 70°C for 4 hours.
For a fall-apart tender texture, the lamb leg can be cooked for 5 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat until soft and tender. The meat will be soft enough to pull apart with tongs.
Additionally, the cooking time can be adjusted based on the number of pounds of meat. For example, a pressure cooker can be set to high pressure for 15-20 minutes per pound of meat.
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Portion sizes
The portion size of a lamb leg depends on the number of people you want to feed and whether you want leftovers. A whole leg of lamb, which typically weighs between 5 to 6 pounds, can feed eight people or six people with leftovers. If you're feeding fewer people, you can ask your butcher to divide the leg into smaller portions.
Another option is to choose different cuts of lamb that are better suited for individual portions. For example, lamb shanks are cut from the smaller end of the leg and are perfect for plating up individual servings with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
The size of your crock pot or slow cooker will also influence the portion size you can cook. For instance, a 5-pound bone-in leg of lamb may not fit in a 6-quart slow cooker, but a boneless leg of this size can be cut into pieces to fit. Alternatively, you can use a larger 8-quart slow cooker to accommodate the bone-in leg without cutting it into pieces.
When cooking lamb in a crock pot or slow cooker, it's important to consider the cooking time and temperature settings. A larger portion of lamb will take longer to cook thoroughly, and you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
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Browning the meat
When browning lamb, it is important to note that the timing may vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare lamb leg, sear it for a shorter amount of time, around 3 minutes per side. If you prefer your lamb well-done, you can sear it for a longer duration, up to 5 minutes per side. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid overcooking or burning the exterior before achieving the desired level of browning.
Additionally, consider the size and shape of your crock pot. If you have a standard-size round crock pot, you might need to cut the lamb leg to fit it inside. However, if you have an oval-shaped crock pot, you may be able to accommodate a full-size lamb leg without cutting it.
For a bone-in lamb leg, make sure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate it. A 5-pound bone-in lamb leg, for example, may require an 8-quart crock pot. If you're using a boneless lamb leg, you have the option to cut it into pieces to fit a smaller crock pot. Wrapping the boneless meat in twine before cooking can help keep it together.
Remember, browning the lamb is optional, and you can still achieve delicious results without this step. However, if you want to add extra flavour and texture, browning the meat before slow cooking it in the crock pot is a great technique to try.
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Gravy
To make gravy for a lamb leg cooked in a crock pot, you can use the juices from the slow cooker. If you want to reduce the lamby flavour, you can use a mixture of broth and lamb juices. Chicken broth will make the gravy lighter in colour.
To make the gravy, strain the solids from the liquid after cooking. Transfer the juices to a skillet or saucepan. You can then make a slurry by whisking together flour and cold water, broth, or lamb broth. Whisk the slurry into the juices and simmer over a medium to medium-high heat, stirring until thickened. If you need more flour, mix it with a little broth or water first to avoid lumps.
If you want to brown the lamb before serving, you can do so by drizzling it with oil and baking at 200C/390F for 20 minutes or until browned. Remove and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving with the gravy.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the weight of the lamb and how you want it cooked. A 5-pound lamb leg can be cooked in a crock pot for 5 hours until tender and fall-apart. For a 2kg lamb leg, you can cook it on high for 5 hours. For a 1.9kg lamb leg, you can cook it for 8 hours.
The crock pot should be set to low.
You can use either bone-in or boneless leg of lamb. Using a bone-in leg of lamb can help keep the meat tender and juicy, but boneless lamb is also a good option.
