Mary Berry’s Rugby Lamb 🍖

Name: Mary Berry’s Rugby Lamb 🍖
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the heartiness of Mary Berry’s Rugby Lamb, a delightful twist on the classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This recipe features tender lamb slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce with a medley of vegetables, perfect for gathering friends and family for a cozy dinner. Serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors!

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-08T15:46:13.636Z

This dish is a family favorite, known for its rich flavors and tender meat that just falls off the bone. The combination of herbs and vegetables enhances the lamb's natural flavors, making it a meal everyone will love.

        Why You’ll Love This Dish
        Rich and savory flavors
Perfect for family gatherings
Easy to prepare yet impressive

      

A Comforting Classic

Mary Berry's Rugby Lamb is an exceptional take on a traditional favorite, crafted with care and seasoned to perfection. The slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also deeply satisfying. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something hearty. The tenderness of the lamb, combined with the rich sauce, will warm your heart and fill your home with inviting aromas.

As you prepare this dish, you'll discover the joy of cooking with fresh ingredients. Each vegetable adds a unique texture and flavor, enhancing the overall experience. The balance of herbs like thyme and rosemary helps to elevate the savory notes of the lamb, making it a dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. Perfect for gatherings, Rugby Lamb is one recipe you will want to make time and again.

Gathering With Family and Friends

Food has an incredible way of bringing people together, and Mary Berry’s Rugby Lamb is no exception. This dish is ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. Its heartiness makes it the star of any table, and it encourages sharing and conversation. Imagine your loved ones gathered around, passing bowls of steaming mashed potatoes and crusty bread, ready to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Moreover, preparing Rugby Lamb can be a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories in the kitchen. Involve family members in the prep work—chopping vegetables or giving a hand with the seasoning. These moments can spark laughter and joy, making the experience far more fulfilling than just eating a meal. When you gather around the table with this comforting dish, you not only enjoy great food but also nurture the bonds that matter most.

Tips for Perfecting Your Rugby Lamb

For those looking to enhance this recipe, consider marinating the lamb overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Marinating will deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat, making your Rugby Lamb even more delectable. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different vegetables; adding mushrooms or parsnips can provide different textures and tastes that will surprise and delight your guests.

Cooking this dish in a slow cooker can also be an excellent option if you want a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Just sear the lamb first to develop those rich flavors, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Whichever cooking method you choose, the secret to an extraordinary Rugby Lamb lies in the patience and love you pour into it. The slow cooking process will yield tender meat with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have your ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Rugby Lamb:

Prepare the Lamb

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chunks and brown on all sides.

Add Vegetables

Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.

Simmer the Dish

Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for about 2 hours or until the lamb is tender.

Once done, serve warm with your choice of side dish.

Serving Suggestions

To truly complement the flavors of Rugby Lamb, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery texture of the potatoes is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce, creating a delightful blend of flavors in every bite. Alternatively, crunchy and rustic bread can serve as an excellent accomplice, allowing everyone to mop up the deliciousness from their plates.

For a fresh contrast, consider serving a side salad with a light vinaigrette. The crispiness of fresh greens will balance the richness of the lamb, making each mouthful enjoyable. A simple coleslaw or a roasted vegetable medley can also make for a colorful and healthy side.

Storing and Reheating

If you're fortunate enough to have leftovers, Rugby Lamb stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container to preserve its flavors. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This gentle reheating will maintain the tenderness of the lamb and the integrity of the vegetables.

For longer storage, consider freezing the Rugby Lamb. It can be kept for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it a great option for meal prep or future cozy dinners when you crave comfort food with minimal effort.

Variations on the Recipe

Feel free to put your spin on Rugby Lamb by incorporating different cuts of meat, such as beef or even chicken. Each type of meat brings its unique flavor profiles and textures to the dish. Adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste; adding a touch of paprika or even a pinch of chili flakes can introduce a lovely warmth to the sauce.

Vegetarian versions can also be created by substituting the meat with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms and utilizing vegetable broth. This adaptation allows everyone at your table to enjoy a comforting dish while catering to different dietary preferences. Remember, the essence of Rugby Lamb lies in its warmth and heartiness, which can be achieved through various ingredients!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats?

Yes, you can substitute lamb with beef or chicken if you prefer.

→ What can I serve with Rugby Lamb?

Creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread are perfect to soak up the sauce.