Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine
There’s something magical about slow-cooked dishes, especially when they fill your home with rich, savory aromas. These Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine are the ultimate comfort food—fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
I first made this recipe for a special family dinner, and it’s been requested repeatedly ever since. The red wine braise adds incredible depth to the lamb, while the vegetables and herbs create a velvety sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. It’s elegant enough for a holiday meal yet simple enough for a cozy weekend dinner.
If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is a must-try!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Lamb shanks actually taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Simply reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Q: What kind of red wine should I use?
A: Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz. Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking, as it will heavily influence the flavor of the sauce.
Q: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the lamb and vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or until the lamb is tender.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
A: Creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles are fantastic options. Add steamed greens or roasted carrots for a complete meal.
Q: Can I substitute the lamb shanks?
A: While lamb shanks are ideal for braising, you can substitute beef short ribs or pork shanks if needed, though cooking times may vary.
What You Need to Make Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine
Ingredients:
- 4 lamb shanks, trimmed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
How to Make Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Lamb: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Stir in the broth, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Braise in the Oven: Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2½ to 3 hours, turning the shanks halfway through, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the herbs and bay leaves. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce spooned over the top.
Tips for Perfect Braised Lamb Shanks
- Sear the Meat Well: Browning the lamb locks in flavor and creates a richer sauce. Don’t skip this step!
- Use Quality Wine: Since the wine is a major flavor component, use one you’d enjoy drinking. Avoid cooking wines.
- Low and Slow is Key: Braising at a low temperature for several hours ensures the lamb becomes tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, remove the lamb and simmer the sauce uncovered for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for prepping in advance.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made this for a dinner party, and everyone was impressed! The meat was so tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful.” – Jennifer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe was a hit with my family. The lamb was fall-off-the-bone delicious, and it made my kitchen smell amazing.” – Mark
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Easy to follow and absolutely delicious! I paired it with creamy polenta, and it was perfect.” – Emma
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’ve made this twice now, and it’s my go-to for special occasions. The flavors get even better the next day!” – Sarah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The best lamb shank recipe I’ve tried. The wine and herbs make such a flavorful sauce!” – David
Printable Recipe
Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine
Tender and flavorful, these Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic sauce. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks, trimmed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
Preheat and Season:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Lamb:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Broth and Herbs:
- Stir in the broth, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and bring to a simmer.
Braise in the Oven:
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2½ to 3 hours, turning the shanks halfway through, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the herbs and bay leaves. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce spooned over the top.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Did you love these Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine? Be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress.
Snap a photo, tag me on social media, and let me know how it turned out! Your support means so much, and I can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures.
