01 -
First things first, pat those lamb chops super dry with paper towels. Honestly, this step is crucial for getting any sort of sear later, if you choose to do it. I like to season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides right away. Sometimes, I even let them sit for about 15 minutes while I chop the veggies. This is where I always make sure they're ready to go, no last-minute scrambling!
02 -
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, sear the lamb chops for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned. This step really locks in the flavor and gives the Easy Crockpot Lamb Chops a beautiful crust. I've skipped this when I'm in a rush, and while still good, that seared crust adds so much extra depth! Don't overcrowd the pan, work in batches if you need to.
03 -
Once seared (or not!), transfer the lamb chops to your slow cooker. Now, in the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onions. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell that amazing aroma – but don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made before!
04 -
Pour the beef broth, diced tomatoes (drained!), Worcestershire sauce, and dried herbs into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble for just a minute or two.
05 -
Carefully pour the simmering sauce mixture over the lamb chops in the crockpot. Make sure the chops are mostly submerged. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, the low and slow method yields the most tender, fall-off-the-bone results, so if you have the time, go for it! I often peek in after a few hours, just because the smell is so enticing.
06 -
Once the cooking time is up, the lamb should be incredibly tender. I like to carefully remove the chops and then give the sauce a final taste test, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes I even thicken the sauce slightly with a cornstarch slurry if it's too thin. Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy, and serve hot! The final result should be a rich, savory aroma that just screams comfort.