Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Macadamia and Bush Tomato Sauce

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

Succulent lamb shanks braised slowly in a rich sauce featuring macadamia nuts and bush tomatoes, highlighting Australia's native flavors. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 170 minutes blends about 300 g each lamb shanks, olive oil, large, finely chopped 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 550 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: 150 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). 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 freshly ground black pepper, then brown on all sides for 8-10 minutes until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes, cooking for 2 more minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and simmer for 5 minutes, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
  5. Step 5: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, add 2 cups beef stock, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover with a tight lid, and transfer to the oven for 2 1/2 hours until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Remove lamb shanks and keep warm. Stir in 1/3 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts into the sauce on the stovetop and simmer for 5 minutes. If sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and whisk into the sauce, cooking for 2 more minutes until thickened.
  7. Step 7: Serve the lamb shanks topped with the rich macadamia and bush tomato sauce alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Macadamia and Bush Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Macadamia and Bush 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-Cooked Lamb Shank with Macadamia and Bush 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-Cooked Lamb Shank with Macadamia and Bush Tomato 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-Cooked Lamb Shank with Macadamia and Bush Tomato Sauce?

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.

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