Slow cooker lamb shanks
Slow cooker lamb shanks offer a melt-in-your-mouth, richly flavored meat dish that’s easy to prepare and delivers tender, savory results every time. Infused with herbs, spices, and a deep, comforting broth, this recipe transforms simple lamb shanks into a hearty and impressive meal perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 meaty lamb shanks, well-marbled
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup red wine or broth (beef or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Prepare and Brown the Shanks: Pat the lamb shanks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and brown lamb shanks on all sides to develop rich flavor and color.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat, add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra taste.
- Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour in red wine or broth to deglaze the pan, letting it reduce slightly. Stir in tomato paste, fresh rosemary, and thyme to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place browned lamb shanks and sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker. Pour the aromatic liquid over the shanks so they are partially submerged for an even braise.
- Slow Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone effortlessly.
- Final Touches and Serve: Remove the shanks and tent with foil to keep warm. Skim excess fat from the sauce and simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken if desired. Spoon the sauce over the shanks when serving.
Notes
- Brown the lamb shanks well to lock in deeper flavor and appealing color.
- Use fresh rosemary and thyme for best aroma; add some fresh at the end for brightness.
- Cook low and slow to maximize tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Marinate the lamb overnight with herbs and garlic for an even richer taste.
- Keep an eye on liquid levels to ensure the meat stays moist without being submerged too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb shank with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: slow cooker lamb shanks, lamb shanks recipe, braised lamb, easy lamb recipe, cozy dinner, slow cooked meat, Mediterranean lamb