Slow Roasted Lamb Shanks (Printable)

Succulent slow-cooked lamb shanks with rosemary, garlic, and vegetables make a hearty main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 lamb shanks (12.3–14.1 oz each), trimmed of excess fat

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
03 - 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
04 - 1 large onion, sliced
05 - 4 garlic cloves, smashed

→ Aromatics & Herbs

06 - 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
07 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme
08 - 2 bay leaves

→ Liquids

09 - 2 cups beef or lamb stock (gluten-free if needed)
10 - 1 cup dry red wine
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Seasonings

12 - 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
13 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 320°F.
02 - Pat the lamb shanks dry and season them generously with salt and pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until evenly browned, about 8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
04 - Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the same pot and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
05 - Return lamb shanks to the pot and add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
06 - Pour in red wine and stock. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
07 - Cover the pot tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours, turning the shanks once halfway through, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
08 - Remove lamb and vegetables to a serving platter. Skim excess fat from the sauce and simmer on the stovetop if necessary to thicken slightly. Spoon sauce over the lamb shanks and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The oven does nearly all the work while you sip wine and catch up with guests.
  • Leftovers taste even richer the next day, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
  • It looks and tastes like you spent all day fussing, but the truth is far more forgiving.
02 -
  • Don't rush the searing step; those caramelized bits are the foundation of your sauce and skipping them means missing out on layers of flavor.
  • If the liquid level drops too much during roasting, add a splash of stock or water to keep things from drying out.
03 -
  • Turn the shanks gently during roasting using tongs, not a fork, to avoid piercing the meat and losing precious juices.
  • Let the finished dish rest for 10 minutes before serving; it gives the flavors a moment to settle and makes plating much easier.
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