Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Herb Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb shanks slow-roasted in a rich tomato and herb sauce, infused with garlic, rosemary, and lemon for a fragrant Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired lamb (mediterranean herbs) ready in about 200 minutes blends (about 3 lbs total) lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 180 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat dry 4 lamb shanks (about 3 lbs total) and season all over with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until deep golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh lemon zest, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup dry white wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then return the lamb shanks to the pot.
  7. Step 7: Cover pot with lid and transfer to the oven. Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally, until lamb is fall-off-the-bone tender and sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Remove rosemary and thyme sprigs before serving. Spoon sauce over lamb and serve with roasted potatoes or couscous.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Herb Sauce?

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-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Herb Sauce 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-Roasted Mediterranean Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Herb Sauce?

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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