Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

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Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks cooked low and slow in a bath of aromatic herbs, garlic, and broth is the kind of dinner that makes you feel hugged from the inside out. This recipe transforms an affordable cut of meat into a showstopping dish with deep, savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The herb gravy is rich, velvety, and infused with all the good things that come from hours of gentle cooking. It clings beautifully to mashed potatoes or soft polenta, making every bite pure comfort. If you’re looking for a cozy, elegant meal that practically makes itself, this is it.

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

This dish is a warm embrace on a plate. It’s made for lazy Sundays, special occasions, or anytime you want to serve something impressive without hovering over the stove. The long, slow braise builds flavor while keeping the lamb succulent, and the simple, rustic ingredients do all the heavy lifting. It’s earthy, hearty, and just a little bit indulgent.

The best part? Once everything is in the pot, you can forget about it for hours and come back to a ready-made, aromatic masterpiece.

What Kind of Lamb Shanks Should I Use?

Look for meaty hind shanks if you want a dramatic presentation, though fore shanks work just as well and tend to be slightly smaller and more tender. If you can, choose grass-fed lamb for a richer flavor. Either way, make sure the shanks are well-trimmed but still have a good amount of marrow bone—that’s where a lot of the magic happens during cooking.

Ingredients for the Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy

What makes this dish shine is its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something meaningful to the table—whether it’s richness, fragrance, or depth of flavor. Let quality ingredients do the work, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes like it simmered in a countryside kitchen.

• Lamb shanks
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion
• Garlic cloves
• Carrots
• Celery stalks
• Tomato paste
• Red wine
• Beef broth
• Bay leaves
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme
• Flour

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

Step 1: Brown the Lamb

Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear the shanks on all sides until they develop a rich, brown crust. This builds flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the lamb and reduce the heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook until softened and golden. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes to deepen its sweetness.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half—this concentrates its flavor and removes the sharpness.

Step 4: Add Broth and Herbs

Return the lamb to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme. The liquid should nearly cover the shanks. Bring everything to a simmer.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Cover the pot and place it in a preheated 325°F oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours. The lamb is ready when it’s fall-apart tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Step 6: Make the Herb Gravy

Remove the lamb shanks and keep them warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer. Whisk in a little flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour the silky herb gravy over the lamb just before serving.

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

These lamb shanks are best served hot and fresh from the pot, spooned generously with the glossy herb gravy. This recipe comfortably feeds 4 people, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a small dinner party. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or even soft egg noodles to soak up the sauce.

If you have leftovers, store the shanks and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw completely before reheating.

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

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Their creamy texture is the perfect match for the rich gravy. The roasted garlic adds just the right amount of depth.

Buttery Polenta

Silky, buttery, and comforting, polenta is a beautiful base for this saucy dish.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until golden and tossed with a squeeze of lemon, they bring contrast and freshness to the plate.

Braised Red Cabbage

Sweet and tangy, braised cabbage adds color and a bright note to balance the richness of the lamb.

Rustic Sourdough Bread

Thick slices of crusty bread are ideal for mopping up every drop of the herb gravy.

Herbed Couscous

A lighter grain option that still complements the savory flavor of the lamb and sauce.

Green Beans Almondine

Tender green beans sautéed with almonds and a hint of lemon zest offer texture and a pop of color.

Red Wine or Mulled Cider

Serve a robust red wine or a warm, spiced cider to complete the meal with seasonal flair.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Comfort in Every Bite?

If you love these Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy, you’ll probably fall for these other hearty favorites from Luna Meals:

• Smothered Chicken and Rice for classic Southern flavor made simple.
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake for a meat-and-potatoes dream come true.
• Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet for a wholesome one-pan wonder.
• Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy for a melt-in-your-mouth alternative.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta when you want comfort and richness in every bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh herbs or dried? Did you add a splash of balsamic to your gravy?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with ease and flavor.

Explore beautifully curated hearty and health-conscious meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy dinner.

Conclusion

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Herb Gravy is one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether it’s for Sunday supper or a special celebration, this dish brings elegance and comfort to the table with hardly any fuss. Let the oven do the work while you enjoy the aroma, and prepare for every plate to be wiped clean.

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