01 -
First up, pat that lamb tenderloin super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear, trust me. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully place the lamb in the hot pan and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully browned all over. You want that gorgeous crust! Honestly, this step makes such a difference in flavor, locking in all those juices. I always get a little grease splatter here, but it's a small price to pay for deliciousness.
02 -
Once the lamb is seared, set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add your chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant – oh, that smell! Don't let the garlic burn, that's a mistake I've made before and it just ruins the whole vibe. Deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol.
03 -
Now for the easy part! Place your chopped carrots and potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. This acts as a bed for the lamb and ensures they get tender but not totally mushy. Pour the deglazed wine mixture over the vegetables. Nestle the seared lamb tenderloin right on top of the veggies. Sprinkle generously with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Honestly, don't be shy with the seasonings here!
04 -
Pour the beef broth around the lamb and vegetables. Make sure the liquid comes up about halfway to two-thirds of the way up the lamb. You don't want to drown it, just give it a nice, slow braise. I usually make sure the veggies are mostly submerged, so they cook through evenly. Give it a gentle stir just to combine the spices in the liquid, but leave the lamb on top.
05 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 4 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours if you're in a pinch. I usually opt for low because, honestly, the longer and slower it cooks, the more melt-in-your-mouth tender that lamb gets. The house will smell absolutely incredible as it cooks, a warm, savory aroma that just makes you happy. I always sneak a peek, even though I know I shouldn't!
06 -
Once the cooking time is up, the lamb should be incredibly tender – you should be able to shred it easily with a fork. Carefully remove the lamb from the crockpot and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This is a crucial step! While it rests, the juices redistribute, making it even more succulent. Slice it against the grain or just pull it apart. Serve the tender lamb with the flavorful vegetables and that rich, savory sauce. It's truly a comforting masterpiece!