Rating: 3.61
(89)

Easy Roast Leg of Lamb

March 20, 2024

There’s something truly special about a perfectly roasted leg of lamb. It’s rich in flavor, beautifully tender, and just the right balance of savory and herbaceous. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this easy roast leg of lamb recipe is sure to impress without requiring too much effort.

The key to a great roast leg of lamb lies in the seasoning. You don’t need a complicated marinade, simple is best here. Start by making a garlic and herb paste with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the lamb, making sure to coat it generously for maximum flavor. The herbs provide an earthy, aromatic base that complements the rich lamb beautifully.

Once seasoned, the lamb is ready for roasting. Place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and roast until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of about 125-130°F (52-54°C), which will continue to rise as it rests. Roasting times generally take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the leg and your preferred doneness.

To achieve a beautifully golden crust, you can sear the lamb in a hot pan for a few minutes before roasting. This step adds extra flavor and a nice caramelized exterior.

Once the lamb is done, allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.

Serve your roast leg of lamb with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the meat. A drizzle of mint sauce or a red wine reduction can elevate the flavors further, adding a refreshing and tangy contrast.

This easy roast leg of lamb is perfect for creating memorable meals with minimal fuss – flavorful, impressive, and satisfying every time.

Easy Roast Leg of Lamb
Easy Roast Leg of Lamb
3.61 from 89 votes
A simple yet flavorful recipe for roast leg of lamb.
Servings 6 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 leg of lamb
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp rosemary chopped, fresh
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Season the leg of lamb with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and olive oil.
  • Rub the mixture all over the lamb, covering it evenly.
  • Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  • Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
  • Remove the lamb from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil.
  • Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before carving.
  • Slice and serve the roast leg of lamb.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalProtein: 40gFat: 15g
Calories: 300kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: French
Keyword: leg of lamb, roast lamb
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 4 stars
    Yummy! The garlic and rosemary combo is delicious. Who knew lamb could be so good??

  2. User avatar verona.davis75 says:

    2 stars
    Easy recipe, but not a fan of lamb. I like chicken better.

  3. User avatar Bill Bruen says:

    3 stars
    Looks too simple. Is it really that easy? I have my doubts…

  4. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    2 stars
    Is it normal to serve this with ketchup? Asking for a friend. 🤔

  5. User avatar sari.cassin90 says:

    5 stars
    just what I needed for my dinner party! Can’t wait to make it! ☀️

  6. User avatar louie.weissnat says:

    4 stars
    I make mine with mint jelly on the side. Y’all should try that! 🙂

  7. User avatar caleb.stehr says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe, but my lamb came out a bit tough. Maybe my oven’s temp was off?

    1. User avatar Zaphod Beeblebrox says:

      4 stars
      Maybe you cooked it too long? Lamb can be tough if overdone. I usually check it with a meat thermometer!

  8. User avatar tatum.herzog says:

    3 stars
    Okay, I gotta say, I tried it and it was…just okay. Nothing too special.

  9. 1 star
    Why does everyone love lamb? I don’t get it, tastes like sheep.. no thanks.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get why you feel that way! Lamb has a strong flavor that not everyone enjoys. But have you tried it cooked with plenty of herbs? It can really balance out the taste!

  10. 5 stars
    Easy and tasty!! I like to serve mine with mashed potatoes.

  11. User avatar ray.runolfsson2009 says:

    5 stars
    Soo good!!! 🐑💖

  12. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe but my lamb was tough. What did I do wrong?

  13. User avatar frederic.satterfield says:

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it for the family dinner.

  14. 4 stars
    Easy?? Didn’t seem easy when I was swearing in the kitchen! But worth the hassle.

  15. User avatar roxanne.jerde19 says:

    2 stars
    Hmmm… does lamb have to be cooked medium-rare? I thought it was supposed to be well done.

  16. User avatar clyde.carroll66 says:

    4 stars
    Lamb is so good! I love the garlic and rosemary… yumm! 🤤

  17. 5 stars
    Omg, this was so easy and fast! Enough for leftovers too! 😋

  18. User avatar miquel.schaden69 says:

    4 stars
    Tried this recipe for a special occasion, turned out pretty good! However, I left it in the oven just a bit too long.

  19. User avatar isidro.weber1964 says:

    4 stars
    Yo, this is too much garlic, next time I’m using half! Still tasty tho.

    1. User avatar Super Saiyan Gohan says:

      3 stars
      Nah man, more garlic is better! Just the right kick for lamb!

    2. User avatar newton.turner2021 says:

      4 stars
      I love garlic but I get it! It’s a strong flavor. You do you!

  20. User avatar demetrius.gislason1973 says:

    1 star
    This is way too much effort for a piece of meat. Ain’t nobody got time for that. 1 star!

  21. 5 stars
    5 stars! I’m not even a cooker but this was easy peasy and my friends were impressed.

  22. User avatar sarita.emard1966 says:

    3 stars
    I was a bit skeptical at first, but it turned out pretty good. Just wish the lamb was a little more tender.

  23. User avatar frida.kohler says:

    4 stars
    I never know how to make lamb. This helped a lot! But it took forever to cook.

  24. User avatar andrew.ondricka2025 says:

    5 stars
    Simple and easy! The kids loved it!

  25. User avatar basementDweller says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was super easy to follow! The lamb turned out juicy and flavorful. Will def make again!

  26. User avatar jone.dare65 says:

    1 star
    Lamb? Never tried it before. Thought it was too fancy for me. Decided to give it a shot, but it was not great, sorry.

  27. User avatar Derick Collins says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a lifesaver! I followed it exactly, and my family loved it. The garlic and rosemary really bring out the flavor.

  28. 3 stars
    I don’t have rosemary, can I use dried herbs? Will it still be good?

  29. 2 stars
    What’s the deal with the resting time? Sounds like a waste of time. I just carve and serve.

  30. User avatar viviana.rempel41 says:

    4 stars
    I forgot to buy rosemary and used thyme instead. It still tasted good. Just sayin’!

  31. 2 stars
    Eh, it was alright. Nothing special. My grandma used to make lamb better than this when we was little. Maybe I’ll stick to her recipes.

  32. User avatar asia.ankunding63 says:

    3 stars
    Too much oil for my liking. Would cut back next time.

  33. 5 stars
    This leg of lamb was amazing! Juicy and flavorful, my family loved it! Definitely a 5-star meal.

  34. User avatar letisha.mitchell29 says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy and absolutely delicious! My family loved it. Will definitely make again!

    1. 3 stars
      Looks good, but isn’t lamb a bit too strong in flavor? I prefer chicken.

    2. User avatar eugene.nienow75 says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear it turned out great! This recipe is a winner in my book. 😊

  35. User avatar demetrice.schiller says:

    3 stars
    As a pro chef, I can say this is basic at best. Needs more seasoning!

    1. User avatar francesca.wisoky says:

      4 stars
      As a home cook, I found the seasoning just right! Sometimes, less is more. Enjoyed it!

  36. 1 star
    Isn’t lamb supposed to be, like, a special meal for holidays? I was just curious why anyone would make it on a regular day? 🤔

    1. User avatar Dr. Georgina Kerluke says:

      5 stars
      I think lamb can be amazing any day! It’s not just for holidays. Just makes it feel fancy! 😊

  37. 5 stars
    Easy to follow recipes! My husband said it was the best lamb he ever had, and I believe him! Thanks!

    1. User avatar Super Saiyan Gohan says:

      5 stars
      That sounds delicious! I’m gonna try it for my family this weekend. Can’t wait to see their reaction!

    2. User avatar Tom Bombadil says:

      3 stars
      Best lamb? Really? I mean, did you use a special recipe or something? Looks pretty standard to me.

  38. User avatar Dr. Celeste Funk says:

    5 stars
    This looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make it for Sunday dinner.

  39. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    4 stars
    Yum! My first time roasting lamb, and it was delicious! I didn’t even know what rosemary was before this!

  40. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    1 star
    not sure what internal temp means?? but we cooked it for too long anyway 🙁

  41. 3 stars
    This seems a bit bland… I added some lemon juice for extra flavor.

    1. User avatar alec.crooks says:

      3 stars
      Lemon juice? Really? I feel like the garlic and rosemary should be enough flavor on their own. Guess we all have different taste buds!

  42. 5 stars
    Easy and delish! Adding this to my go-to list for holidays. Thanks for sharing!

    1. User avatar christel.beatty says:

      5 stars
      So glad you liked it! It’s a family favorite for sure. Happy cooking!

    2. User avatar jayson.streich says:

      3 stars
      Looks good, but isn’t lamb super fatty? I usually avoid it.

  43. 2 stars
    I thought it was too garlicky. Maybe I used too much? I wouldn’t make it again, but it looked nice.

    1. User avatar Vikki Schuppe says:

      4 stars
      Garlic can be strong! Maybe just use 2 cloves next time? It’s really tasty otherwise!

  44. 3 stars
    I tried this but ended up overcooking it. How do you get it medium-rare? I think my oven is broken…

    1. User avatar felicia.ortiz says:

      3 stars
      I just guess the time, lol. My lamb always turns out good! Try not to overthink it!

    2. User avatar glenn.franecki77 says:

      5 stars
      It sounds like your oven might be too hot! You can also use a meat thermometer to check the temp before it’s done. Medium-rare is 145°F.

  45. 1 star
    I didn’t like it at all. Lamb is too greasy for me. I prefer chicken. Just my opinion.

    1. User avatar Bilbo Baggins says:

      4 stars
      I hear ya! Lamb can be pretty fatty. Have you thought about making it with chicken instead? It’s a lot leaner and could be just as tasty.

    2. User avatar Oolon Colluphid says:

      2 stars
      You don’t know what you’re missing! Lamb’s the best! Chicken is so boring… but hey, to each their own.

  46. User avatar Thuy Little says:

    2 stars
    Are you serious? My grandma used to make it different with mint jelly. This is not it!

  47. User avatar lorina.windler61 says:

    4 stars
    i made this but used thyme instead of rosemary. It was also good, ya know. No biggie!

  48. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

    2 stars
    Where’s the lemon? You gotta add lemon zest or its plain.

  49. User avatar earle.jacobson says:

    2 stars
    Is it really that easy? I don’t trust it. Last time I made lamb, it was a disaster. Not sure I’ll try again.

  50. User avatar shanon.harber5 says:

    3 stars
    I think it needs more seasoning. Just salt and pepper ain’t enough, right?

  51. User avatar rashad.pfannerstill says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know, I followed the recipe but it came out too salty for my taste. I might have overdone the salt part. 🙁

    1. User avatar meta.emard73 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try using less salt next time? Or you could balance it out with something sweet!

    2. User avatar felton.walsh says:

      3 stars
      I think it’s just the recipe. Everyone has different taste buds, right?

  52. 5 stars
    My kids loved it! They said it tasted like a fancy restaurant. Thanks for sharing!

  53. 3 stars
    Roasting lamb? Isn’t that a little too fancy? I just don’t think I can pull it off.

    1. User avatar marshall.bins says:

      5 stars
      Don’t worry! This recipe is super easy. If you follow the steps, you’ll do great! Just take your time.

    2. User avatar Torchbugs says:

      4 stars
      Fancy or not, it’s just meat! My mom used to just throw it in the oven. You got this!

  54. User avatar joel.hickle89 says:

    4 stars
    Gonna try this with some BBQ sauce! Bet it’ll taste bomb.

    1. User avatar jere.murray2 says:

      4 stars
      BBQ sauce? That’s a bold move! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!

  55. User avatar darrin.wisoky1989 says:

    4 stars
    My kids didn’t like it. They prefer chicken. But I thought it was great!

  56. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    3 stars
    How long should I let it rest? It doesn’t say in the instructions!!

  57. User avatar zetta.nitzsche says:

    5 stars
    I followed this recipe for Easter dinner and it was a hit! Perfectly juicy! 👍

  58. User avatar angel.reilly says:

    5 stars
    This was the best leg of lamb I ever made! So juicy and flavorful. The garlic and rosemary combo is simply divine! Will make it again for sure!

  59. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    4 stars
    So easy!!! I was worried it would be hard, but this recipe is straightforward. I’m not a pro at cooking so I really appreciated the simple instructions!

  60. User avatar cyndy.reichert91 says:

    4 stars
    For the garlic and rosemary you can use dried ones too. Might not be as good tho.

  61. User avatar tomas.mckenzie46 says:

    5 stars
    Followed the recipe, and it was a hit! Juicy and full of flavor. Definitely will make again.

  62. User avatar doretta.medhurst11 says:

    5 stars
    Is it really that simple? I was skeptical, but the lamb was juicy and flavorful. Bravo!

    1. User avatar benedict.damore1995 says:

      5 stars
      Yes! It’s super easy, right? I made it last week and my family loved it. Can’t believe something so simple can taste so amazing!

  63. User avatar Wellington Yueh says:

    4 stars
    Garlic and rosemary is a classic combo! This turned out better than I expected. Yum!

  64. User avatar ji.schowalter95 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay but I’ve had better at restaurants. Not sure if I’d make it again.

    1. User avatar francesco.sauer46 says:

      4 stars
      I totally disagree! This recipe is classic and delicious. Maybe you just need to tweak your seasoning a bit?

3.61 from 89 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 321
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: