Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Bush Tomato and Aniseed Myrtle

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

Tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich sauce infused with Australian bush tomatoes and aromatic aniseed myrtle for a deep, savory stew. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs shanks (8 oz each) lamb shanks, olive oil, large onion onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 4 lamb shanks (8 oz each). Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Brown the lamb shanks on all sides for 5-6 minutes until deeply caramelized, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes and 1 tbsp crushed aniseed myrtle leaves, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape the pot bottom to deglaze, simmering for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 cups beef stock, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Return lamb shanks to the pot, cover tightly, and transfer to the oven.
  7. Step 7: Slow-cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Bush Tomato and Aniseed Myrtle 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 Bush Tomato and Aniseed Myrtle?

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 Shanks with Bush Tomato and Aniseed Myrtle?

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 Bush Tomato and Aniseed Myrtle 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 Bush Tomato and Aniseed Myrtle?

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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