Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Wattleseed and Bush Tomato

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

Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich sauce infused with native wattleseed and tangy bush tomatoes. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs each) lamb shanks, olive oil, large onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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 Australian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear lamb shanks for 4-5 minutes per side until browned all over. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tsp ground wattleseed and 1/2 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1 cup red wine and cook for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half.
  7. Step 7: Return lamb shanks to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth and 3 sprigs fresh thyme.
  8. Step 8: Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 3 hours until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  9. Step 9: Remove thyme sprigs and serve lamb shanks with the rich sauce spooned over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank with Wattleseed and Bush Tomato 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-Cooked Lamb Shank with Wattleseed and Bush Tomato?

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-Cooked Lamb Shank with Wattleseed and Bush Tomato?

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 Wattleseed and Bush Tomato 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 Wattleseed and Bush Tomato?

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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