Description
Looking for a comforting, impressive, and flavorful meal? These Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy are fall-apart tender and bursting with savory herbs, garlic, and wine. A perfect choice for easy dinner ideas, holiday meals, or cozy weekend food ideas, this hearty recipe simmers low and slow until the meat melts off the bone. The herb-rich gravy is so good, you’ll want to pour it over everything. Whether you’re hosting or batch-cooking for the week, this easy recipe never disappoints.
Ingredients
2 to 4 lamb shanks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup red wine
2 cups beef broth
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Pat the lamb shanks dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the shanks on all sides until browned, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, followed by tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes more.
5. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits, and let simmer for 3–5 minutes.
6. Pour in beef broth, add rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and bring to a light simmer.
7. Return the lamb shanks to the pot, partially submerging them in the liquid.
8. Cover and cook in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning halfway through.
9. Remove the shanks and vegetables and tent with foil.
10. Simmer the braising liquid on the stovetop to reduce. Optionally thicken with flour mixed in water.
11. Return shanks to the pot or serve with gravy poured over the top.
12. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.
Notes
Browning the lamb deeply at the start creates maximum flavor for the gravy.
This dish tastes even better the next day — make ahead and reheat gently.
For a gluten-free option, skip the flour and reduce the sauce longer for natural thickening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb shank
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: slow cooked lamb, lamb shanks recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, herb gravy, fall meals, holiday dinner, dinner ideas