Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Damper Bread

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

Succulent lamb shanks braised in red wine and native herbs, served alongside traditional Australian damper bread for a comforting rustic meal. This australian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes pairs lamb shanks, olive oil, carrot, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Sear 4 lamb shanks, browning all sides for 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced carrot, 1 cup diced celery, 1 chopped onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup red wine and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Return lamb shanks to the pot and add 2 cups beef broth and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Cover pot with lid and transfer to preheated oven at 325°F. Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: To make damper bread, preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix 2 cups self-raising flour and 3/4 cup milk until a soft dough forms.
  7. Step 7: Shape dough into a round loaf on a baking sheet, brush with 2 tbsp melted butter, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  8. Step 8: Serve the slow-cooked lamb shanks hot with juices spooned over and warm damper bread on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Damper Bread 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 Damper Bread?

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 lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Damper Bread?

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 Damper Bread 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 Damper Bread?

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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