Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry

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

Tender lamb shanks simmered low and slow in a fragrant garam masala-spiced tomato gravy, perfect for a comforting meal. This indian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs (about 3 lbs) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, finely chopped yellow onion 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: 480 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 650 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 lamb shanks and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes until golden and sealed, then transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion, 6 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp garam masala, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp turmeric powder; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 cup water, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then pour the sauce over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry?

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 (about 3 lbs) lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry?

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 Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry 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 Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry?

Indian 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.

Related recipes