Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Riverina Red Wine and Rosemary

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

Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks braised slowly in rich Riverina red wine with fragrant rosemary and garlic, perfect for a comforting meal. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 215 minutes pairs shanks (about 1.5 lb each) lamb shanks, Riverina red wine, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 195 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove shanks and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced onion, 3 chopped carrots, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups Riverina red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb shanks to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth and 3 sprigs fresh rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and transfer to the oven, braising for 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  7. Step 7: Remove lamb, skim fat from the sauce, and reduce sauce on stovetop if needed to thicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Riverina Red Wine and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 215 minutes (20 min prep + 195 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 Riverina Red Wine and Rosemary?

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 riverina red wine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Riverina Red Wine and Rosemary?

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 Riverina Red Wine and Rosemary 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 Riverina Red Wine and Rosemary?

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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