Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Fennel Seeds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb shanks braised slowly with fragrant rosemary and toasted fennel seeds for a hearty, comforting Australian-style meal. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs shanks (about 2 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear 4 lamb shanks, about 5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 1 tsp toasted fennel seeds; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in 1 cup dry red wine, scraping browned bits from the bottom, and simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb shanks to the pot, add 2 cups beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven.
  6. Step 6: Slow cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Serve with the rich braising sauce spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Fennel Seeds 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 Rosemary and Fennel Seeds?

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 Rosemary and Fennel Seeds?

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 Rosemary and Fennel Seeds 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 Rosemary and Fennel Seeds?

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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