Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Spiced Tomato Sauce
Tender lamb shanks slowly braised in a rich, spiced tomato sauce infused with garlic and aromatic herbs. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 195 minutes blends (about 1.5 lb 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 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 1.5 lb total) lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Brown 2 lamb shanks on all sides for 8 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes and 1 cup beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the pot. Return lamb shanks to the pot, add 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until lamb is fork-tender and the sauce is thickened and rich.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Braised Lamb Shank with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 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 Spiced Tomato 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 Spiced Tomato 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 Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spiced Tomato 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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