Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Garlic and Herbs

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

Tender lamb shanks slow-braised in a fragrant broth of garlic, rosemary, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs about 3 lbs total lamb shanks, olive oil, smashed garlic cloves 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 Mediterranean cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 4 lamb shanks (about 3 lbs total) and season all over with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 6 smashed garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits; cook for 3 minutes until reduced slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme.
  6. Step 6: Return lamb shanks to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours until lamb is fall-off-the-bone tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove lamb, discard herb stems, and simmer sauce uncovered on stove for 10 minutes to thicken if needed. Serve shanks topped with sauce alongside mashed potatoes or polenta.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Garlic 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 Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Garlic 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 3 lbs total lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Garlic 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 Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Garlic 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 Slow-Braised Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Garlic and 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.

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