Old World Braised Lamb Shanks

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

Tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce with aromatic herbs, inspired by Mediterranean traditions. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 115 minutes pairs 1.5 lbs total Lamb shanks, Red wine, diced Tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 25 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Sear lamb shanks for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups diced tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in 1 cup red wine and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add lamb shanks, cover, and cook over low heat for 1.5 hours until tender. Serve with couscous or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Old World Braised Lamb Shanks take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (25 min prep + 90 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 Old World Braised Lamb Shanks?

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 1.5 lbs total lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Old World Braised Lamb Shanks?

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 Old World Braised Lamb Shanks 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 Old World Braised Lamb Shanks?

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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