Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Mediterranean Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb shanks slowly braised in a fragrant blend of Mediterranean herbs and tomatoes, served with a rich, savory sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs each) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced onion 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 650 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 4 lamb shanks and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add lamb shanks and brown on all sides for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply caramelized; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks; sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and golden.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup dry red wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves; bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return lamb shanks to the pot, spooning sauce over them. Cover with lid and transfer to the oven; braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  7. Step 7: Remove pot from oven and discard rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness.
  8. Step 8: Serve lamb shanks with sauce spooned over, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Mediterranean 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 Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Mediterranean 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Mediterranean 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 Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Mediterranean 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 Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Mediterranean Herbs?

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.

Related recipes