Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine Reduction

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

Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-cooked in a fragrant rosemary and red wine sauce, creating a deeply savory and tender dish. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 210 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks, salt, black pepper 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. 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: 190 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering; brown lamb shanks on all sides for 8-10 minutes to develop a deep crust, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks; sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic and tomato paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 1/2 cups dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping browned bits from the bottom; simmer for 5 minutes until the wine reduces by about half.
  6. Step 6: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, add 4 fresh rosemary sprigs and 2 cups beef broth; cover tightly and transfer to the oven for 3 hours until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  7. Step 7: Remove lamb shanks and rosemary sprigs; simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving the lamb with the red wine reduction.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Red Wine Reduction?

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 salt from drying out.

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

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 Red Wine Reduction 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 Red Wine Reduction?

Mediterranean 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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