10+ Ground Lamb Recipes to Spice Up Your Dinner Table

Ground lamb’s one of those ingredients that can totally change up your dinner routine. It’s got a bold, rich flavor that works with so many spices—way more interesting than ground beef, honestly.

You don’t have to be a pro to cook with ground lamb. Even if you’re new to it, you’ll find it pretty forgiving and fun to experiment with.

This guide’s packed with ideas for all kinds of tastes and skill levels.

1) Kafta Kabobs with fragrant Mediterranean spices

Kafta Kabobs are basically herby, spiced ground lamb patties—think parsley, garlic, onion, cumin, and cinnamon. You can grill or pan-fry them, and they come together fast.

They’re awesome with pita, salad, or a swipe of yogurt sauce. The aroma alone will make you hungry.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
2. Shape mixture into long, thin kabobs around skewers.
3. Grill over medium heat or pan-fry for 10-12 minutes, turning often.
4. Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

2) Mediterranean Lamb Bowls with fresh veggies

Mediterranean lamb bowls are super customizable. Just layer spiced ground lamb with crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.

A little feta on top gives a salty kick. Start with turmeric rice or couscous for the base.

Add a big spoonful of hummus or tzatziki for creaminess. It’s a simple, filling meal that doesn’t feel heavy.

You can prep extra bowls for a quick lunch the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 cup turmeric rice or couscous
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup hummus or tzatziki sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the turmeric rice or couscous according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground lamb with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until browned, about 8 minutes at medium heat.
3. Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
4. Layer the rice or couscous in a bowl.
5. Add the cooked lamb on top.
6. Arrange the fresh veggies and sprinkle feta cheese over everything.
7. Drizzle hummus or tzatziki sauce on top before serving.

3) Lamb Gyro Meatloaf slices

Lamb gyro meatloaf is comfort food with a twist. Mix ground lamb and beef with garlic, onion, and oregano for that classic gyro taste.

Bake the mixture in a loaf pan. Once it’s done, slice it for easy sandwiches or serve it with tzatziki.

Onion powder and garlic powder really amp up the flavor. Try it in a pita with crisp veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking pan.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through.
5. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

4) Rosemary Garlic Ground Lamb with Potatoes

This one’s hearty and super satisfying. Cook ground lamb with potatoes, garlic, and rosemary for a meal that just feels cozy.

Heat oil in a pan, then toss in the lamb, potatoes, and onions. Let everything brown up a bit.

Add garlic and rosemary for that earthy, fragrant kick. Season it up and cook until the potatoes are soft and everything smells amazing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 russet potatoes, cut into ½ to 1-inch cubes
• 1 onion, diced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground lamb, potatoes, and onion. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are soft and lamb is cooked through.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

For a detailed recipe, see rosemary garlic ground lamb and potatoes.

5) Greek Lamb Meatballs with tzatziki sauce

Greek lamb meatballs are a breeze to make. Just mix ground lamb with garlic, onion, parsley, and mint for a bright, herby bite.

Serve them hot with a cool tzatziki sauce—yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It’s a classic combo that never gets old.

You can bake these meatballs in the oven, which keeps things simple. Toss them in a pita or on top of a salad if you want.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the tzatziki sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl.
6. Serve meatballs warm with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

6) Lamb Kofta skewers with tahini drizzle

Lamb kofta skewers are fun to make and even better to eat. Mix ground lamb with cumin, garlic, and parsley, then shape onto skewers.

You can grill or broil them. The tahini sauce—nutty and creamy—takes it up a notch.

Serve with pita or a side salad. If you like some heat, throw in a pinch of chili flakes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tahini Drizzle:

• 2/3 cup tahini paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Water to thin
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Shape mixture into sausage-like shapes on skewers.
3. Grill or broil skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through (about 160°F/71°C).
4. Whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water until smooth and pourable.
5. Drizzle tahini sauce over hot skewers and serve.

7) Spicy Lamb Burgers with tahini

Spicy lamb burgers are a solid way to shake up burger night. Mix ground lamb with cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes for a punch of flavor.

Top with tahini sauce—it’s creamy and cuts through the heat. You can blend tahini with yogurt or lemon juice for a little zing.

Cook the burgers over medium heat. Fresh mint or parsley on top? Always a good idea.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped parsley or mint
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup plain yogurt

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lamb, spices, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Shape into 4 equal patties.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers 4-5 minutes each side.
4. Check with a thermometer for 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
5. Mix tahini, lemon juice, and yogurt for sauce.
6. Serve burgers with tahini sauce and fresh herbs.

For more details, check spiced lamb burger recipes.

8) Lamb-Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)

Arayes are a Middle Eastern street food classic. Stuff pita bread with seasoned ground lamb, then grill or pan-fry until crispy outside and juicy inside.

Season the lamb with cumin, garlic, and parsley for extra flavor. Serve with tahini or yogurt sauce for dipping.

The crispy bread and juicy meat together just works. It’s a killer snack or a full-on meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (455g) ground lamb
• 4 pita breads
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix ground lamb, onion, garlic, cumin, parsley, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.

2. Cut the pita breads in half to create pockets.

3. Stuff each pita pocket with the lamb mixture.

4. Brush the outside of each pita with olive oil.

5. Grill or pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on each side.

6. Cook until the pitas turn crispy and the meat’s cooked through.

7. Serve warm with your favorite sauce.

9) Cinnamon-Spiced Lamb Rice

Cinnamon-spiced lamb rice smells incredible as it cooks. The warm spices and lamb make it feel like comfort food, but with a twist.

It’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup’s a breeze. You don’t have to fuss much—just toss everything in and let it do its thing.

Start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in oil until they’re soft. Add the ground lamb, sprinkle in cinnamon and salt, and cook until the meat browns and smells amazing.

Stir in rice and a pinch of cumin or nutmeg if you’re feeling bold. Pour in water or broth, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is tender.

Top it off with chopped dates and toasted nuts if you like a little sweetness and crunch.

Ingredients

• ½ pound ground lamb
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup rice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water or broth
• Optional: chopped dates, toasted pistachios

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until soft.

3. Toss in the ground lamb, cinnamon, salt, and cumin.

4. Brown the lamb, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in the rice, then pour in water or broth.

6. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked through.

7. If you want, top with dates and pistachios before serving.

10) Adana-style Lamb Meatballs

Adana-style lamb meatballs turn out soft and juicy. The yogurt and a dash of baking powder really make a difference.

Ground lamb gets mixed with spices for a smoky, warm flavor. Sometimes I grill them on skewers, but baking in the oven works if that’s easier for you.

Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a quick tomato sauce. It’s a fun way to switch things up if you’re bored of regular meatballs.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Crank your oven up to 400°F (200°C).

2. Grab a bowl and toss in all your ingredients. Mix them up, but don’t go overboard—just until everything comes together.

3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs. If you’re feeling fancy, you can thread them onto skewers instead.

4. Spread some parchment paper on a baking sheet and set your meatballs or skewers on top.

5. Bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re aiming for cooked through, not dried out.

6. Serve them warm, maybe with some yogurt or a good tomato sauce.