Ground Lamb Recipes

🍽 Is Lamb “Healthy?”

YES. AND. NO. Eating red meat occasionally is fine. In some cases, it may be necessary (anemia). Yes, there are plant-based sources for iron, but Lamb is rich in iron, mostly in the form of heme iron, which is highly bioavailable and absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron found in plants.

Lamb is rich in iron, mostly in the form of heme iron, which is highly bioavailable and absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron found in plants.

Lamb is also a great source of Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, Zinc, and Selenium. Yes, the calorie count is higher, but the nutrition may be as well. For more, see Lamb 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects.

Adding ground lamb to a casserole, tacos, or one-pot dish means plenty of iron-rich protein in less time. A 3.5 ounce (100 gram) serving provides 25 grams of protein and 258 calories. When I have lamb for dinner, I simply choose leaner protein options (ie. plant-based) earlier in the day.

In short, lamb does provide great nutritional value and can be part of your healthy diet. Below, you will find a few of my favorite ways to use ground lamb.

💭 Tips for Cooking with Ground Lamb

• Brown the lamb, but don’t overcook. Substances found in well-done and overcooked meat are not healthy.
• If making a one-pot dish like my Quick Ground Lamb Casserole, remove browned meat to a towel lined bowl, wipe the casserole/skillet dry, then proceed. This process reduces fat content.
• Using a potato masher or meat chopper to break up the meat as it cooks makes the job easier, and results in quicker cook time too!
• NOTE: The “gamey” flavor in lamb comes from the fat. Look for leaner cuts and packages.
• If you hate the taste (or cook for someone who does), substitute beef or pork.

I included a couple of recipes that I often use with ground lamb, but may have been written for bison or another ground meat. I hope this post encourages you to occasionally include ground lamb in your healthy or healthyish diet!