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Easy ground lamb skillet recipe cooked with spices, herbs, and olive oil

Easy Ground Lamb Skillet Recipe

This easy ground lamb skillet recipe is packed with bold spices, juicy texture, and rich flavor. Perfect for quick American weeknight dinners, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs well with rice, pita, or vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pic medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground lamb to the skillet and break it apart using a spatula.
  5. Season with cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  6. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned and fully cooked.
  7. Drain excess fat if needed, keeping a little for flavor.
  8. Finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs. Mix well and remove from heat.
  9. Serve hot with rice, pita bread, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Juicy ground lamb meatballs and lamb burgers cooked in a skillet with fresh herbs and spices
Flavor-packed ground lamb recipes featuring juicy meatballs and burgers, perfect for easy American dinners.
  • For the best flavor and juiciness, use 80/20 ground lamb. Leaner lamb may turn dry if overcooked.
  • Cook ground lamb over medium heat and avoid stirring constantly to allow proper browning.
  • If the lamb releases excess fat, drain only part of it—a little fat adds rich flavor.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or mint help balance lamb’s strong taste and add freshness.
  • A splash of lemon juice or yogurt at the end brightens the dish and reduces any gamey flavor.
  • This recipe is very flexible—add tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Ground lamb cooks quickly; remove it from heat as soon as it reaches 160°F (71°C) to keep it tender.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Ground lamb also freezes well—freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months for easy meal prep.
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