Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Pepperberry

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

Succulent lamb shanks braised slowly with native Australian pepperberries and root vegetables for a rich, warming stew. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) lamb shanks, Australian pepperberries, crushed, stalks celery stalks, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  2. Step 2: Remove lamb and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp crushed Australian pepperberries, cooking for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and 3 cups beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return lamb shanks to the pot, add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
  5. Step 5: Braise for 3 hours, turning the shanks once halfway through, until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone. Remove rosemary sprigs before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Pepperberry 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 Shanks with Australian Pepperberry?

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 2 lbs) lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Pepperberry?

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 Pepperberry 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 Pepperberry?

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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