Braised Greek Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Oregano
Tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh oregano and garlic, perfect for a hearty Mediterranean meal. This greek-inspired lamb (mediterranean) ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium, sliced carrot
- 1, sliced celery stalk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 4 lamb shanks and season all sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until deeply golden. Transfer shanks to a plate.
- Step 2: Lower heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 sliced carrot, and 1 sliced celery stalk to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and cook for 3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them in the sauce. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until lamb is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from oven, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Greek Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Oregano take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Braised Greek Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Oregano?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Greek Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Oregano?
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 Braised Greek Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Oregano 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 Braised Greek Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Oregano?
Greek 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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