Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine
Slow-braised lamb shanks simmered in a rich red wine and tomato sauce infused with fresh rosemary and garlic for tender, flavorful meat. This italian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs about 1 lb each lamb shanks, olive oil, large, chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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, about 1 lb each lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, chopped yellow onion
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat 4 lamb shanks dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Lightly dredge each shank in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until golden. Remove shanks and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups dry red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom, simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.
- Step 5: Add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Return lamb shanks to the pot, submerging partially in liquid.
- Step 6: Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
- Step 7: Remove lamb shanks and cover with foil to keep warm. Discard rosemary sprigs and bay leaves. Simmer sauce on stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes to thicken, adding 1/4 cup water if needed.
- Step 8: Serve lamb shanks topped with sauce and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine 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 Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine?
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 about 1 lb each lamb shanks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine?
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 Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine 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 Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine?
Italian 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.