Bush Tomato Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables

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

Slow-braised lamb shanks infused with Australian bush tomato and red wine, resting on a bed of tender roasted root vegetables. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 8 oz each) lamb shanks, sea salt, black pepper 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook 2 minutes until mixture darkens.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups red wine and 2 cups beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them in the liquid. Cover with lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until lamb is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, toss 3 peeled and cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast separately on a baking sheet at 400°F for 40 minutes until golden and tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove lamb shanks and vegetables from the pot. Discard herb stems and bay leaf. Reduce the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Step 8: Serve lamb shanks over the roasted potatoes and root vegetables, drizzled generously with the bush tomato sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bush Tomato Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables 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 Bush Tomato Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables?

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 8 oz each) lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bush Tomato Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables?

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 Bush Tomato Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables 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 Bush Tomato Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables?

Australian slow cooker 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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