20 Delicious Lamb and Rice Recipes for Every Occasion

These lamb and rice recipes are sure to satisfy any appetite.

Whether you are looking for a hearty meal for a special occasion or a light, comforting dinner, there is something for everyone.

From quick and easy weeknight meals to elaborate dishes for a dinner party, these 20 recipes will have something for every situation.

20 Best Lamb and Rice Recipes

When you combine two classic ingredients, lamb and rice, the possibilities are endless.

From hearty stews to light and flavorful salads, there are plenty of recipes to choose from.

So why not give one of these recipes a try?

1. Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani

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Behold, the king of all rice dishes – this Hyderabadi lamb biryani!

Combining tender juicy chunks of lamb with fragrant spices and a bed of basmati rice cooked low and slow until it’s fluffy perfection – what else can beat that?

The real magic is in the marinade, where yogurt and raw papaya paste tenderizes the meat while onion-fried oil seals in moisture.

Plus you get an incredible mix of flavor thanks to all the classic Indian spices.

Take your time with them because each one packs a punch.

This showstopper takes some work but nothing extraordinary.

Just follow this recipe, turn on some music and make it happen.

Your guests will thank you later!

2. Hashweh (Lebanese Vermicelli Rice with Meat)

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This Lebanese dish is definitely a crowd-pleaser.

It’s called ‘Hashweh’, and it combines tasty vermicelli rice with minced meat.

So juicy and delicious!

1. To make Hashweh, start by simmering the vermicelli until fragrant.
2. Add in your seasonings and boiling water or stock.
3. Then cover the pot to create steam while you prepare the hashweh portion of this meal.
4. In a separate pan, heat up some ghee or butter before adding your onion and ground beef/lamb along with all your spices (smoked paprika is great here).
5. Cook everything till it gets nice and caramelly then unearth your giant, steaming fluffy piles of Vermicelli rice – ready to be enjoyed and munched upon!
6. Garnish can include lemon wedges as well as plenty of fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor bombs on every bite!.

3. Ouzi (Spiced rice with lamb)

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Take a trip to the Middle East with ouzi – a classic spiced rice dish traditionally paired with lamb.

The secret to this delicious dinner is all in the preparation:

First, freeze-dried peas and carrots are cooked with curry and allspice before you move on to the next phase of preparation; basmati rice is cooked in a rich beef broth along with spices for added flavor.

Meanwhile, the lamb pieces are simmered down until weakly tender.

Once finished, it’s layered up between prepared veggie and rice mixtures for one incredible feast!

At last, everything is garnished off with nuts and parsley.

Dinner never looked so good!

4. Lamb Pilau/Pulao – A One-Pot Pakistani Lamb Pilaf

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This Pakistani Lamb Pilaf is the perfect one-pot meal.

The fragrant spices like cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cumin take this dish from simple rice pilaf to something extraordinary.

Add pre-cooked lamb (you can use any type of quality protein), a generous portion of garlic, onion, and enough water for that delicious starchiness we all crave – the final result will be a bowl brim with sublime flavors capable of delighting even the most diehard foodie.

Not only does it taste incredible; it’s easy on the pocket too!

Simply gather your ingredients, throw them into one pot (or in your instant pot if you prefer), and let ‘em cook until they’re done!

Enjoy this amazing comfort food breakfast or dinner – any time of day.

5. Youvetsi (Greek Lamb Stew)

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Youvetsi is a classic Greek staple that’s been satisfying hungry mouths for thousands of years.

This rustic stew features tender chunks of lamb, along with hearty spices and fragrant aromatics like onion and garlic.

San Marzano tomatoes contribute acidity and sweetness while the orzo pasta softens in the sauce at the end to give this dish an amazing texture.

To finish it all off, sprinkle on some chopped parsley and feta cheese before serving – trust me, it’s worth every bite!

6. Indian Lamb Biryani

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This classic Indian dish is guaranteed to please.

The aroma of garam masala, cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron will get you ready for the feast ahead.

But this biryani is more than just a fragrant concoction – it offers complex flavors that come as much from the pieces of succulent lamb as they do from the mix of spices.

Used in order to achieve an incredibly flavorful presentation with layers of flavor, tenderness and spice, biryani receives its twinge (however subtle or strong) by layering intensely flavored ingredients in imperfect harmony.

7. MEDITERRANEAN LAMB BOWLS

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Mediterranean flavors and an array of fresh veggies come together for a vibrant dish that’s perfect for lunches or dinners.

With lamb, hummus, and feta cheese all carefully spiced to perfection, this Mediterranean bowl is bursting with all the flavor — but less work than your typical weeknight meal.

To make it even easier, use pre-cooked rice in place of cooking it yourself—yum!

Just top with freshly chopped herbs and you have a delicious lunch or dinner ready in no time.

Don’t forget to serve this one in pita “bowls” for added crunch—it’ll be sure to please everyone in your family (and on Instagram!)

8. Mansaf

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Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan, and understanding why isn’t too hard – it’s just that good!

This traditional meal has been around for centuries.

It consists of lamb cooked in a special sauce called jameed, seasoned with garlic and spices.

The meat is then served on top of basmati rice and almonds.

The flavors are robust yet balanced, like all great dishes with historic roots.

To really bring out the flavor complexity you need to make sure you get your flavor profiles right; sweet, salty, sour…they’re all there!

9. Greek Lamb Meatballs and Rice

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If you’re looking for a hearty, healthful meal to make for guests or for yourself, try this Mediterranean-inspired dish of Greek lamb meatballs and rice.

The bright flavors of fragrant oregano and lemon zest contribute to the distinct flavor of the flavorful ground lamb that is cooked with herbs and spices.

It’s then served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice along with plenty of refreshing vegetables like crunchy snap peas and briny feta cheese.

For an extra punch of flavor, a quick sauce made from vermouth, olive oil, and lemon juice completes each delicious bite — it instantly takes this family-friendly dinner up 10 notches!

10. Lamb Vindaloo

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Craving Indian food?

Make this lamb vindaloo recipe your go-to.

The traditional spicy dish is sure to liven up any dinner party or surprise your family with a little twist from the ordinary.

A melange of spices highlight each other in this flavorful and unique combination, giving it an aroma that will transport you straight to India…the second you take the first bite!

This dish requires some advanced preparation (soaking tamarind paste, roasting chiles, etc.), but don’t be intimidated.

Feel free to use garlic/ginger paste instead of freshly minced for ease as well.

Once cooked, savor its smokiness and enjoy its bold flavors alongside basmati rice and naan!

11. Bedouin Lamb Rice

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You don’t have to go all the way to the Middle East to enjoy this delicious Bedouin specialty.

This lamb-based dish is packed with flavor and bold seasoning.

Cloves, green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, crushed garlic, and black lime powder provide a unique taste that will transport you straight away from your kitchen.

The combination of juicy meat and fragrant basmati rice along with fresh herbs like coriander makes for one truly memorable meal.

For an extra boost in flavor add some raisins and pine nuts!

To take things even further combine it with tzatziki or labneh.

12. Lamb Platter

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This Lamb Platter is full of flavor, but with such a simple list of ingredients, you don’t spend all day in the kitchen.

It’s super easy to pull together, and it boasts a bold Mediterranean spiced flavor thanks to garlic, coriander, cardamom, and more.

The lamb is cooked with onions and gives off an amazing aroma when added to the pita bread waiting on your plate.

The fall-apart tenderness only gets better when combined with Greek yogurt for cooling down the flavors.

Adding fresh tomatoes, romaine and shallots provides crunchy texture contrasts that I can’t get enough of; this platter is definitely worth giving a try!

13. Kabuli Pulao (Spiced Lamb Pilaf)

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Kabuli Pulao is a hearty and flavorful lamb pilaf from Afghanistan.

It’s traditionally made with fragrant basmati rice, succulent spiced chunks of lamb, sweet carrots, crunchy almonds, and raisins.

The key lies in the combination of amazing spices that take it to the next level: fragrant garam masala, cardamom for an exotic earthiness; cinnamon for warmth; freshly ground black pepper for a peppery kick, and some additional heat.

This recipe lends itself to be quite versatile too – you can use other kinds of nuts (like pistachios or cashews), dried fruit (such as apricots), or vegetables like peas or potatoes.

14. Egyptian Lamb and Rice

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Make dinner a breeze with this flavorful meal that recalls the flavors of Egypt.

This dish is made from hearty ingredients, like ground lamb or beef, white onions, and basmati rice.

The addition of almonds, raisins, and spices creates hints of sweetness while nutmeg adds an earthy flavor – giving you a delicious dinner in around an hour.

1. Start by browning the meat in one large or two medium-sized pans over medium heat until it’s lightly cooked through and slightly crunchy.
2. Meanwhile, start boiling some water on another burner to cook the rice according to the package instructions.
3. Once everything else is together throw it all into one pan with butter, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt/pepper to taste – cover and simmer for 20 minutes!

A quick stir not only allows you to make sure everything gets evenly distributed but also makes sure that your rice cooks nice and fluffy (which we all love).

15. Slow Cooker Lamb Curry

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Mild and delicious, this slow-cooker lamb curry is so warming and comforting!

1. Marinate the meat overnight in freshly grated ginger and garlic, then add it to your skillet with a mix of spices like coriander powder, fennel powder, garam masala, and turmeric powder.
2. Finally, add tomato puree and yogurt for added depth.
3. Let it cook low and slow until the lamb is perfectly tender – you don’t want your curry too watery or too dry.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt then serve hot over steamed rice or naan bread.

Or do both!

16. Lamb Korma

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Nothing – I repeat, nothing – warrants a craving like a curry.

They’re just so flavourful and robust.

Take this Lamb Korma for example.

It packs some serious aromatic punch with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala, and paprika (the list goes on).

All the components come together to make an incredibly fragrant and complex dish that even the most discerning of palates will love.

Don’t forget to finish it off with cashew cream!

17. One-Pan Lamb Meatballs and Saffron Rice with Herby-Yogurt Sauce

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Elevate your meal with this aromatic one-pan wonder of lamb meatballs and saffron rice sitting atop a bed of herby yogurt sauce.

This dish is sure to satisfy, with tender ground lamb studded throughout the fluffy basmati rice.

Plus, it’s full of fresh cilantro and mint for an added burst of flavor – zing!

We’ve also seasoned things up with allspice, turmeric, and paprika – plus just a pinch of saffron for a subtle depth.

The egg helps keep the meat moist while the tapioca flour gives our pomegranate-studded morsels even more delicious crisp bites.

The freshly-squeezed lemon juice in the yogurt sauce balances out everything else perfectly – definitely unique but totally delish!

18. Afghani Pulao

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This Pulao recipe will introduce your tastebuds to a world of flavors.

1. Start by browning the lamb shanks in some oil until slightly crisp on all sides.
2. Then, sauté the garlic and onions in butter or ghee with the spices until you get an amazing aroma.
3. Add carrots and raisins and cook for a few more minutes – you can feel those flavors intensifying already!
4. Then stir in tomato paste, followed by basmati rice, before finally adding beef stock.
5. Give it one last mix and let it simmer away until everything is cooked through perfectly.
6. Serve this Afghan-inspired dish with yogurt for added creaminess – you won’t regret it!

19. Keema Rice with Lamb

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This Indian-inspired dish has everything you need in one bowl: mild Persian flavor, sweet and savory ingredients, and a good dose of protein.

Keema rice is an ideal meal for busy days because it’s fast to make yet packs plenty of comfort food goodness.

1. Start by baking your onions with the bay leaf, cardamom cloves, and the cinnamon stick until softened—this will provide the base for all that aromatic intensity.
2. Add the minced lamb to brown them evenly. You’ll then add curry leaves, green chillis peppers, and various other spices until it releases all its beautiful fragrances.
3. Once cooked through, mix it up with basmati rice (it cooks faster due to soaking beforehand)and roasted fenugreek seeds give this dish some added crunchy texture in contrast to the creamy sauce!
4. Finish off with grated jaggery or coconut sugar for a touch of sweetness – heaven!

20. Middle Eastern Shredded Lamb with Chickpea Pilaf

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When it comes to cuisine from this part of the world, nothing beats shawarma or kebabs.

But don’t overlook the deliciousness of Middle Eastern shredded lamb with chickpea pilaf.

The juicy, tender lamb is cooked in a combination of spices like coriander, cumin, paprika, and cardamon.

Next up is the garlic-infused yogurt which gives the meat its unique flavor.

Then things get topped off with fresh herbs like coriander/cilantro and a generous squeeze of lemon juice that brightens up all those authentically earthy spices.

It’s served along with fluffy basmati rice mixed with chickpeas for added protein, so you can be sure that your family’s getting their fill!