This Hairy Bikers Lancashire Hotpot Recipe is a hearty and traditional dish, which uses lamb shoulder and sliced potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Lancashire Hotpot Recipe Ingredients
- 1kg lamb neck or shoulder, diced
- 4 lamb’s kidneys, chopped (optional)
- 2 onions, sliced
- 1kg floury potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 250ml lamb stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 sprig thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 50g butter
- Salt and pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Lancashire Hotpot Recipe
- Preheat the oven and brown the meat: Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ Fan / Gas Mark 4). Heat olive oil in a heavy, ovenproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb and optional kidneys in batches until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: In the same dish, cook sliced onions with a pinch of salt until softened. Sprinkle with flour and stir to coat.
- Make the gravy: Gradually stir in the lamb stock to avoid lumps. Add thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Layer the hotpot: Remove from heat and return meat to the dish. Mix well. Layer sliced potatoes over the top, overlapping like scales. Season with salt and pepper.
- Start slow cooking: Dot the top with butter cubes. Cover with lid and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Crisp the topping: Remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes, until potatoes are golden and crisp.
- Rest and serve: Let stand for 10 minutes. Serve hot in bowls.

Recipe Tips
- What cut of lamb is best for hotpot? Use lamb shoulder or neck for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Can I skip the kidneys? Yes, the kidneys are optional and can be omitted if you prefer.
- How to get crispy potatoes on top: Make sure to bake uncovered for the final 30-45 minutes.
- Can I make it in advance? Yes, prepare the dish up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- How to thicken the gravy: Use plain flour and simmer the liquid well before baking.
What To Serve With Lancashire Hotpot
This rich and filling dish pairs well with light sides:
- Buttered green peas
- Pickled red cabbage
- Steamed green beans
- Crusty bread
- A simple green salad

How To Store Lancashire Hotpot
Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Lancashire Hotpot Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 38g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make Lancashire hotpot with beef instead of lamb?
Yes, though it will change the traditional flavor. Use stewing beef as a substitute.
Why are my potatoes not crisping?
Ensure the top layer is exposed during the final baking stage. A drizzle of butter or oil helps.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours, but crisp the potatoes under a grill or in the oven afterward.
Is Worcestershire sauce essential?
It adds depth, but you can replace it with a splash of balsamic vinegar or omit it if needed.
Can I use chicken instead of lamb?
Technically yes, but it will no longer be a traditional Lancashire hotpot.
Try More Recipes:
Hairy Bikers Lancashire Hotpot Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: American6
servings20
minutes2
hours25
minutes560
kcalA rich and savory lamb hotpot layered with tender meat and crispy potatoes, perfect for slow cooking.
Ingredients
1kg lamb neck or shoulder, diced
4 lamb’s kidneys, chopped (optional)
2 onions, sliced
1kg floury potatoes, thinly sliced
1 tbsp plain flour
250ml lamb stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 sprig thyme
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
50g butter
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180℃ (160℃ Fan). Brown lamb and kidneys in olive oil. Set aside.
- Cook onions in the same dish. Add flour and stir.
- Pour in stock, add herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Add meat back in. Layer potatoes on top and season.
- Dot with butter. Cover and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Uncover and bake 30-45 mins until crispy.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
