Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Vegemite Glaze
Rich lamb shanks slow-cooked in a savory Vegemite and rosemary broth until fall-off-the-bone tender. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 3 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 3 lbs total) lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Vegemite
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown them on all sides for 8-10 minutes until deeply seared. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups beef broth, 1 cup red wine, and whisk in 1 tbsp Vegemite until dissolved. Add 3 fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Step 5: Return lamb shanks to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the meat is very tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 6: Remove lamb shanks and rosemary sprigs. Simmer braising liquid on stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Pour sauce over lamb and serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Vegemite Glaze 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 Shanks with Rosemary and Vegemite Glaze?
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 Shanks with Rosemary and Vegemite Glaze?
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 Shanks with Rosemary and Vegemite Glaze 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 Shanks with Rosemary and Vegemite Glaze?
Australian slow cooker 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.