Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy
Why Make This Recipe
Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy is a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The slow cooking process makes the lamb tender and full of flavor. The rich gravy, filled with fresh herbs and vegetables, brings everything together, creating a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. It’s an easy, rewarding recipe that impresses without much fuss.
How to Make Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
Directions
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the lamb shanks on all sides.
- Transfer the browned lamb shanks to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
- Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the lamb shanks with the rich herbed gravy.
How to Serve Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy
Serve the lamb shanks on a large platter, spooning the rich herbed gravy over the top. This dish goes well with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add a simple side salad for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Store Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy
To store leftovers, allow the lamb shanks and gravy to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy
- For even more flavor, marinate the lamb shanks in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Make sure to brown the lamb shanks well to develop a rich flavor.
- Don’t skip the step of scraping the skillet; those browned bits add depth to the gravy.
Variation (if any)
If you prefer, you can replace lamb shanks with beef shanks for a different flavor. You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or parsnips, to the slow cooker for extra heartiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef shanks or even chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What can I serve with lamb shanks?
Lamb shanks pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the gravy. A side salad adds freshness.
3. How do I know when the lamb is done?
The lamb shanks are done when the meat is tender and pulls away easily from the bone, usually after about 8 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy
Ingredients
Method
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the lamb shanks on all sides.
- Transfer the browned lamb shanks to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
- Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the lamb shanks with the rich herbed gravy.
