Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

There’s nothing quite like slow cooker lamb shanks tender, flavorful, and simmered to perfection in a rich red wine sauce. This recipe is the perfect comfort food, ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. If you love slow-cooked meals that require minimal effort but deliver restaurant-quality results, you’re in for a treat!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the hard work while you relax.
Incredibly Tender Meat: The lamb shanks become so soft they practically fall off the bone.
Rich, Flavorful Sauce: A deep, savory red wine and herb-infused sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

4 lamb shanks
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
2 cups lamb stock (or beef stock)
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp thyme
4 bay leaves
2 ½ tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (for depth)

Substitutions & Variations:

No wine? Replace it with extra stock and a splash of red wine vinegar.
No lamb stock? Beef or chicken stock works great.
Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of chili flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Lamb

Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels. Generously season them with salt and pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides for about 10 minutes, until browned. This locks in flavor and gives a beautiful color.

Transfer the shanks to your slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Stir in the tomato paste and a little leftover flour from dredging the shanks. Let it cook for a minute to develop a deep flavor.

3. Deglaze and Add to the Slow Cooker

Pour in the red wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about a minute, then add the stock, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.

Pour the mixture over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the lamb is meltingly tender.

If the meat isn’t falling off the bone, let it cook for another 30 minutes and check again.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Remove the lamb shanks and keep them warm.

Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 2-4 minutes until thickened.

Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the lamb shanks and drizzle with the rich sauce. Serve hot with your favorite sides!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

Mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
Polenta: Creamy and pairs beautifully with the tender meat.
Roasted vegetables: Adds a nice caramelized touch.
Crusty bread: Great for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe Step-by-Step

FAQs

How Long Do Lamb Shanks Take to Cook in a Slow Cooker?

Lamb shanks typically take 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. The goal is to get the meat tender enough to fall off the bone. If it’s not quite there, cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Can I Put Raw Lamb Shanks in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, but browning them first is highly recommended. Searing locks in juices and builds depth of flavor, making a huge difference in the final dish.

What is the Best Way to Cook Lamb Shanks?

Slow cooking is the best way, whether in a slow cooker or in the oven. Low, slow heat breaks down the tough connective tissues, creating fall-apart tender meat with a rich, flavorful sauce.

Is Lamb Better in a Slow Cooker or the Oven?

Both methods work! The slow cooker is ideal for hands-off cooking and convenience, while oven-braising (at 325°F/160°C for 2.5–3 hours) provides slightly better caramelization.

Can I Use Beef Stock Instead of Lamb Stock?

Absolutely! Beef stock is a great substitute and still results in a deeply flavorful dish. Adding extra rosemary and thyme helps maintain the classic lamb taste.

Do I Need to Add Red Wine to the Recipe?

Red wine adds depth and richness, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with extra stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

If you love this dish, you’ll definitely enjoy:

Slow cooker lamb shanks are an easy, flavorful, and foolproof way to enjoy a tender lamb shank recipe. This dish is a must-try for fans of slow cooker recipes and hearty comfort food. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this lamb shank dish will impress. Try it today and savor every bite!

I’d love to hear how your slow cooker lamb shanks turned out! If you made this recipe, please leave a rating and comment below.

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks – Perfect for Easter Dinner

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks – A Must-Try Easter Dinner

Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for later!

Happy cooking