Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Rich Red Wine Sauce

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

Tender lamb shanks slowly braised in a deep red wine sauce infused with aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 215 minutes blends (about 2.5 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 195 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat 4 lamb shanks dry and season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper all over.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shanks on all sides for 5-6 minutes until deep golden, then transfer them to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and edges caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups dry red wine and simmer for 5 minutes, scraping browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs rosemary, 3 sprigs thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Return lamb shanks to the pot, submerging partially in liquid.
  7. Step 7: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in the preheated oven. Braise for 3 hours until lamb is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Remove lamb shanks and strain sauce if desired. Serve lamb with sauce spooned over, garnished with fresh herbs.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Rich Red Wine Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Rich Red Wine Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Rich Red Wine Sauce?

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 Rich Red Wine Sauce 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 Rich Red Wine Sauce?

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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