Old World Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Herbs

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

Tender lamb shanks slowly braised in a rich red wine and herb sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner with deep, rustic flavors. This french-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs about 1 lb each lamb shanks, olive oil, medium, peeled and chopped carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 French cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 4 lamb shanks and season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Dredge each shank evenly in 1/4 cup flour, shaking off excess.
  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, until deep golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 1 large chopped yellow onion to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups dry red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Return lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
  7. Step 7: Cover the pot with a lid and place in the preheated oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, turning the shanks halfway, until meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
  8. Step 8: Remove lamb shanks and herbs from the pot. Skim fat from the sauce and simmer uncovered on the stovetop for 10 minutes to thicken.
  9. Step 9: Serve lamb shanks topped with the rich braising sauce and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Old World Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Herbs 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 Old World Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Herbs?

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 Old World Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Herbs?

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 Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Herbs 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 Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine and Herbs?

French 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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