Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

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Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme are gently simmered in a rich herb gravy until they reach pure comfort food perfection. This slow-cooked beauty is the kind of hearty dinner that fills the whole house with its savory aroma and gathers everyone around the table with anticipation.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend dinner or a show-stopping meal for guests, these lamb shanks offer rustic elegance with minimal effort. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta and prepare to savor every spoonful of that velvety, flavor-packed gravy.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

• Effortless Elegance: A luxurious dish made with everyday ingredients and slow-cooked to tender perfection.
• Flavor-Packed Gravy: The deeply savory herb gravy is rich, aromatic, and spoon-licking good.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or hosting.
• Comforting and Satisfying: A complete soul-warming meal when served with creamy mash or roasted root vegetables.

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What Kind of Lamb Shanks Should I Use?

Bone-in lamb shanks are the star of this dish, ideally from the hind shank (which tends to be meatier). Look for cuts with a generous amount of meat and some visible marbling—this helps break down during slow cooking, creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you can get your hands on grass-fed lamb, it will lend a slightly deeper, more nuanced flavor.

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Ingredients for the Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in building its rich, layered flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lamb Shanks – These bone-in cuts are ideal for slow cooking. They become incredibly tender and absorb all the flavors from the gravy.
• Olive Oil – Used to sear the lamb, helping to lock in flavor and build a savory base for the dish.
• Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy as it softens and caramelizes.
• Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic infuses the broth with a bold, aromatic kick.
• Carrots & Celery – These veggies add subtle sweetness and balance to the gravy while acting as a traditional flavor base.
• Tomato Paste – Brings umami richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Red Wine – Deepens the flavor with bold notes and helps deglaze the pan.
• Beef Stock – Forms the foundation of the gravy with rich, meaty undertones.
• Fresh Rosemary & Thyme – Essential herbs that infuse the dish with earthy, comforting aromas.
• Bay Leaf – Adds subtle herbal depth that rounds out the flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances all the natural flavors and provides balance.
• Cornstarch (optional) – For thickening the gravy to your desired consistency.

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How To Make the Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

Step 1: Sear the Lamb Shanks

Pat lamb shanks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear lamb shanks on all sides until browned. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the alcohol cook off.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Herbs

Return lamb shanks to the pot. Pour in the beef stock until the shanks are mostly submerged. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. You can also transfer to a 300°F oven or use a slow cooker.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

Once the lamb is cooked, remove the shanks and set aside. Skim excess fat from the surface. If desired, stir a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) into the simmering gravy to thicken.

Step 7: Serve

Return the shanks to the pot and spoon the rich herb gravy over the top. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.

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How to Serve and Store This Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

These lamb shanks are best served piping hot, nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or pillowy polenta with a generous ladle of herb gravy drizzled over the top. The dish yields enough to comfortably feed 4 people, making it a perfect fit for family dinners or small gatherings.

To store leftovers, let the lamb and gravy cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of stock to maintain moisture.

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What to Serve With Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes soak up the herb gravy beautifully and are the ultimate comfort pairing.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted until caramelized offer earthy sweetness and vibrant texture.

Garlic Sautéed Green Beans

A crisp and light side dish that cuts through the richness of the lamb.

Creamy Polenta

Velvety and subtle, polenta makes a luxurious base for the lamb and gravy.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Ideal for mopping up every last bit of the gravy.

Steamed Broccolini

A fresh, slightly bitter contrast that keeps the meal feeling balanced.

Red Wine

A bold glass of red—like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah—is a natural fit for this deeply savory dish.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Rich Flavors?

If you loved these Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy, you’ll want to try these other satisfying dinners:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood twist with luxurious creaminess.
• Cheesy Zucchini Casserole brings comforting cheesy flavor in a veggie-forward bake.
• Crockpot Swiss Steaks slow-cooked with tender meat and a rich tomato gravy.
• Buttery Garlic Pork Chops served with creamy mashed potatoes and smooth pan sauce.
• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a cozy, cheesy bowl perfect on chilly days.

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