A hearty and flavor-packed one-pan meal, this recipe brings together succulent lamb with crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Hasselback potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 750g new potatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked and chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• 4 lamb leg steaks (around 150g each)
• 100ml chicken or lamb stock
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp capers
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas 6.
2. Wash the potatoes and slice them thinly across without cutting all the way through to create the Hasselback effect.
3. Place the potatoes in a roasting tray. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, scatter over the garlic, rosemary, and salt, then roast for 35–40 minutes until golden and almost tender.
4. While the potatoes roast, season the lamb steaks with salt and pepper.
5. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and sear the lamb steaks on both sides until browned (about 2 minutes per side).
6. Remove the tray from the oven, push the potatoes to one side, and nestle the lamb steaks among them.
7. Pour the stock into the pan, then return it to the oven and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until the lamb reaches your desired doneness.
8. Mix the vinegar, capers, and parsley in a small bowl.
9. Once the lamb is cooked, spoon the herby caper mixture over the meat and potatoes before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450–500 kcal
• Protein: 35–40g
• Carbohydrates: 25–30g
• Fat: 25–30g
• Saturated Fat: 7–9g
• Fiber: 3–4g
• Sugar: 1–2g
• Sodium: 600–700mg

Flavor Profile and Seasoning Balance

The one-pan lamb with Hasselback potatoes dish is an excellent example of balance in flavor and texture. The rich, savory lamb pairs perfectly with the subtle earthiness of the new potatoes, while rosemary and garlic provide aromatic depth. A touch of red wine vinegar and capers at the end introduces acidity and brightness, lifting the entire dish. The seasoning is carefully calibrated so that neither the lamb nor the potatoes overpower the other, allowing each component to shine.

Cooking Technique: One-Pan Efficiency

This recipe exemplifies the elegance of one-pan cooking, where ingredients are cooked together in a single dish, allowing flavors to meld naturally while minimizing cleanup. Roasting both lamb and potatoes in one tray not only saves time but also allows the juices from the lamb to enrich the potatoes, creating a more unified flavor profile. It’s an efficient technique that delivers complex results with minimal hassle.

Texture Play: Crispy Meets Juicy

Texture plays a critical role in the success of this dish. The Hasselback cut on the potatoes allows their edges to crisp up beautifully in the oven while remaining tender at the core. Meanwhile, the lamb is seared to lock in juices, then gently roasted to retain tenderness. The combination of crispy potato edges and succulent meat creates a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.

Nutritional Considerations

While rich and hearty, this meal also offers solid nutritional value. Lamb is a great source of high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, particularly B12. The potatoes, especially with the skin left on, provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The addition of parsley and garlic further contributes to the dish’s health profile with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredient Versatility

One of the advantages of this dish is its flexibility in ingredients. While lamb steaks are ideal, they can be swapped with lamb chops, cutlets, or even chicken thighs depending on preference or availability. The same goes for the potatoes—baby potatoes, Yukon Golds, or any waxy variety can be used to achieve a similar effect. This adaptability makes the recipe accessible to a wider audience.

Visual Appeal and Presentation

The Hasselback technique creates a visually stunning result, with thin slices fanning out during roasting to form a golden, textured surface. When paired with seared lamb steaks and a scatter of fresh parsley and capers, the final presentation is both rustic and elegant. It’s the kind of dish that looks as good as it tastes and works well for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Time-Saving Aspects

This dish is perfect for home cooks looking for a delicious meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. With a total active prep and cooking time of under an hour, it fits easily into a busy schedule. Plus, since it uses only one pan, cleanup is quick and painless, which is always a bonus after a hearty meal.

Family-Friendly Appeal

Despite its gourmet feel, this recipe is family-friendly and accessible for all ages. The familiar flavors of potatoes and lamb, elevated by simple herbs and a mild acidic punch, make it a hit at the dinner table. It’s also easy to scale up or down, depending on the size of your household or gathering.

Ideal for Meal Prep

This dish holds up well as leftovers, making it a great choice for meal prepping. Both the lamb and potatoes retain their flavor and texture when reheated gently. It can be portioned into containers for several meals throughout the week, making it a practical solution for those planning ahead.

Pairing Recommendations

For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a side salad of arugula or baby spinach dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness of the lamb. A glass of red wine, such as a Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, also pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish’s robust flavors.

Holiday and Seasonal Suitability

This recipe is an excellent option for festive gatherings and holiday meals. Its warm, hearty nature makes it especially suited for colder months, when comfort food reigns supreme. Yet, it’s not so heavy that it can’t be enjoyed year-round, especially with lighter accompaniments.

Cultural Context and Heritage

Lamb has a long-standing role in many culinary traditions, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This dish pays homage to those roots with ingredients like garlic, rosemary, and capers, which are staples in those regions. However, it simplifies traditional lamb preparations into a more modern, manageable form.

Cooking Skill Level Required

This is an intermediate-level recipe that offers a manageable challenge to those looking to expand their culinary skills. It introduces techniques like Hasselback cutting and pan-searing while remaining forgiving enough for newer cooks to succeed. It’s a great way to build confidence in the kitchen.

Flavor Customization Options

Cooks can easily tailor this recipe to suit their palate. For example, thyme or oregano can be used in place of rosemary, or mustard and honey can be added to the vinegar mixture for a sweeter finish. Chili flakes or smoked paprika can also be added for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Low-Waste Cooking

This meal supports low-waste cooking principles. The use of whole potatoes with the skin helps reduce food waste, and leftover herbs can be repurposed in other meals. Additionally, any pan juices can be turned into a quick gravy or used to flavor rice or couscous.

Kid-Friendly Tweaks

For families with children, the capers and vinegar topping can be served on the side or omitted altogether. The dish is inherently mild and satisfying, and kids tend to enjoy the crisp potatoes and tender lamb when the stronger garnishes are moderated.

Global Adaptability

This dish can be adapted to suit global palates. Swap the rosemary for cilantro and add cumin for a Middle Eastern spin, or use soy sauce and sesame oil in the final dressing to give it an Asian fusion twist. This flexibility makes it a globally appealing recipe.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, use an oven or toaster oven to retain the crispiness of the potatoes. Microwaving is possible, though it may soften the textures. Adding a splash of stock when reheating helps maintain moisture.

Cooking for Occasions

This dish is ideal for romantic dinners, weekend gatherings, or dinner parties. Its sophisticated appearance and well-rounded flavors make it a reliable crowd-pleaser. It pairs beautifully with candlelight and conversation while remaining easy to prepare in advance.

Sustainable Ingredient Choices

Choosing grass-fed or locally sourced lamb can enhance the sustainability profile of this dish. Similarly, opting for organic or farmers market potatoes supports local agriculture. These small choices contribute to a more eco-conscious kitchen without compromising flavor or quality.

Conclusion

One-pan lamb with Hasselback potatoes is more than just a convenient dinner—it’s a celebration of balanced flavors, textures, and ease of preparation. It suits a range of occasions, dietary needs, and personal preferences. Whether you’re preparing a midweek meal or hosting friends, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience from the comfort of home. Its blend of tradition, practicality, and elegance makes it a timeless addition to any kitchen repertoire.