Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Bush Tomato Sauce
Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks braised slowly in a rich sauce made with sun-dried bush tomatoes, garlic, and native herbs for deep, robust flavors. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks, sun-dried bush tomatoes, chopped, olive oil 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 520 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks
- 1 cup sun-dried bush tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef or lamb stock
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes total, then remove from pot.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 cup chopped sun-dried bush tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes until combined.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping browned bits from the bottom, and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Return lamb shanks to the pot and add 2 cups beef or lamb stock, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
- Step 6: Cook uncovered in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 7: Remove lamb shanks and reduce sauce over medium heat on stovetop if needed until thickened. Serve lamb shanks with the rich bush tomato sauce spooned over.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Bush Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 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-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian 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 Shanks with Australian 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 Shanks with Australian 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 Shanks with Australian Bush Tomato Sauce?
Australian 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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