Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot: 6 Easy Steps to Bliss

Name: Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Welsh
Ingredients: 2 pounds (900g) PGI Welsh Lamb shoulder or neck, cubed; Salt and pepper, to season; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 onions, diced; 2 leeks, white parts only, finely diced; 2 tbsp plain flour; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp tomato paste; ½ tbsp cranberry sauce or seedless raspberry jam; 1 tsp garlic paste or minced garlic; 2 cups (480ml) lamb or chicken stock; 2 carrots, cut into small cubes; 2 parsnips, peeled and diced; 2 bay leaves; 3 large baking potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 tsp fresh thyme; 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing); Fresh rosemary sprig, to garnish

Jump to Recipe

When the weather starts turning chilly and you crave something hearty that warms you from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot is pure comfort in a bowl. Tender lamb, creamy potatoes, and a rich gravy that practically hugs your taste buds—this dish is everything you love about traditional comfort food, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

As someone who believes dinner should bring joy, not stress, I can confidently say this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It takes all the deep, homestyle flavor of a classic lamb hotpot and lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you get on with your day. By the time you lift that lid, your kitchen will smell like a cozy countryside inn—minus the travel!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot

Set it and forget it: This is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food with minimal prep.
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb: Using Welsh lamb shoulder or neck gives the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Layers of comfort: Soft leeks, sweet carrots, buttery potatoes, and savory gravy come together in perfect harmony.
Perfect for meal prep: The flavors deepen even more the next day—if you have any leftovers, that is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds (900g) PGI Welsh Lamb shoulder or neck, cubed
Salt and pepper to season
2 tbsp vegetable oil to brown lamb
2 tbsp butter
2 onions, diced
2 leeks, white parts only, finely diced
2 tbsp plain flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tbsp cranberry sauce or seedless raspberry jam
1 tsp garlic paste or fresh minced garlic
2 cups (480ml) lamb stock or chicken stock
2 carrots, cut into small cubes
2 parsnips, peeled and diced
2 bay leaves
3 large baking potatoes, thinly sliced
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp melted butter for brushing
Rosemary sprig, to garnish

How To Make Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot

Brown the lamb: Season the cubed lamb with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat and brown the lamb in batches. Don’t skip this step—it locks in flavor! Set aside once browned.
Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, add butter and sauté the onions and leeks until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Keep the heat moderate to avoid browning.
Build the gravy: Stir in the flour and a splash of stock to create a roux. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic, and cranberry sauce (or jam) for that subtle sweetness that balances the rich lamb flavor.
Combine in the slow cooker: Pour the mixture into your slow cooker. Add the browned lamb, parsnips, carrots, bay leaves, and the rest of the stock. Stir gently to combine.
Layer the potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes over the top in a neat, slightly overlapping pattern. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on HIGH for 7–8 hours until the lamb is tender and the potatoes are soft and infused with flavor.
Finish with a crispy top: Brush the potatoes with melted butter and pop the dish under a hot oven grill for 5–7 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and crisp. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm.

Mounia’s Cozy Cooking Tip

If your gravy looks a bit thick, don’t panic—it just means you’ve made the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. But if you prefer a saucier texture, simply stir in a little more stock toward the end. And if your family loves a little extra comfort (who doesn’t?), add a handful of frozen peas before serving for color and sweetness.

This recipe saved me on one of those weeks when everything on my to-do list felt like a marathon. I threw everything into the slow cooker one morning, and by dinnertime, it was like magic—rich, flavorful, and beautifully comforting without any fuss.

Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot with golden potato slices, tender lamb, carrots, and thyme in a rich brown gravy inside a crockpot — A delicious Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot with tender lamb, buttery potatoes, and sweet carrots simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot

Can I use a different cut of lamb?

Absolutely! Lamb leg works too, though it’s a bit leaner. Shoulder and neck cuts give you that signature tenderness and richness we love in hotpots.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything the night before and store it (covered) in the fridge. In the morning, just pop the insert into your slow cooker and turn it on—breakfast coffee and dinner, both sorted.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can! Swap the lamb for a hearty mix of mushrooms, lentils, and root vegetables, and use vegetable stock. It won’t be quite the same, but still absolutely delicious.

Bring Comfort Home

This Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot is the kind of meal that makes your house smell like a Sunday afternoon spent with family. It’s hearty, wholesome, and loaded with the kind of flavor only slow cooking can bring out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s one of those dishes that turns an ordinary day into something special—all with hardly any effort.

So grab your slow cooker, a cozy blanket, and let this hotpot work its magic. Comfort food doesn’t get any easier (or tastier) than this!

More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes to Try Next

If this Slow Cooker Welsh Lamb Hotpot left you craving more comfort-filled dishes, you’ll love these flavorful ideas that fit perfectly into your cozy meal rotation:

Try the rich and indulgent Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon for another elegant yet effortless dinner option.
For a creamy, crowd-pleasing favorite, don’t miss the Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
Add some crunch to your table with these irresistible Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baby Potatoes.
And if you have a sweet tooth after dinner, treat yourself to a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Pudding.

Each of these recipes brings that same easy, homestyle warmth that makes slow cooking such a joy!