Braise-Roasted Lamb Shanks with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-braised lamb shanks simmered in a robust sauce of tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and herbs, capturing the essence of Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 200 minutes blends shanks (about 1.5 lbs each) lamb shanks, olive oil, yellow onion, chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 4 lamb shanks (about 1.5 lbs each) generously with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped yellow onion and 1 cup diced carrot to the pot, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze, simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Step 6: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup halved Kalamata olives, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme. Stir to combine.
  7. Step 7: Return lamb shanks to the pot, spoon some sauce over them, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
  8. Step 8: Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  9. Step 9: Remove lamb shanks and tent with foil. Simmer sauce uncovered on stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
  10. Step 10: Serve lamb shanks topped with the rich tomato and olive sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Braise-Roasted Lamb Shanks with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Braise-Roasted Lamb Shanks with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braise-Roasted Lamb Shanks with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braise-Roasted Lamb Shanks with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braise-Roasted Lamb Shanks with Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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