Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Tomato
A comforting slow-cooked lamb shank dish infused with fresh rosemary, garlic, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty Australian-style dinner. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs large (about 1.5 lbs each) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large (about 1.5 lbs each) lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 medium, peeled and chopped carrots
- 2 chopped celery stalks
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz (1 can) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 4 lamb shanks and season with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Brown the lamb shanks on all sides for about 8 minutes total, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestle in 3 fresh rosemary sprigs and sprinkle 1 tsp dried thyme around.
- Step 7: Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 8: Remove rosemary sprigs before serving. Spoon the rich tomato sauce over the lamb and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Tomato 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 Tomato?
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 Tomato?
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 Tomato 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 Tomato?
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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