Indulge in the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. These Fall-Off-the-Bone Lamb Shanks in Herb Gravy bring together rustic flavors, slow-cooked tenderness, and an aroma that instantly fills your home with coziness. Whether you’re preparing a relaxed weekend dinner, hosting an intimate gathering, or simply craving a nourishing meal with deep, savory character, this recipe delivers maximum payoff with minimal effort. Once everything is nestled into the slow cooker, the long, gentle heat works its magic, transforming humble ingredients into an unforgettable dish.
What makes this recipe special is the way the lamb shanks slowly braise until the meat becomes so tender that it slips off the bone with the slightest touch. The vegetables soften into the gravy, the herbs infuse every drop, and the broth and tomatoes meld into a thick, fragrant sauce that begs to be spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or warm crusty bread. With just a bit of prep and plenty of patience, this dish brings restaurant-level results right to your table. 😍
🥘 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
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
🍽️ Directions
1. Prepare and season the lamb
Begin by patting the lamb shanks dry, which helps them brown more evenly. Generously season each shank with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning is the foundation of flavor and helps enhance the richness of the meat as it cooks.
2. Brown the meat for deeper flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the lamb shanks, working in batches if necessary so the pan isn’t overcrowded. Let them sear without moving for a couple of minutes per side. This browning process develops a deep, caramelized crust that brings complexity to the final dish. Turn each shank to brown all sides thoroughly, then transfer them directly into the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the aromatic vegetables
Using the same skillet—now full of delicious browned bits—add the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté the mixture over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes. The vegetables should soften and the onions become lightly golden. This step layers in sweetness, earthiness, and aroma, and ensures they contribute full flavor to the gravy later.
4. Deglaze and simmer
Pour the beef broth into the skillet. As it heats, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are pure flavor and will enrich your gravy beautifully. Allow the broth and vegetables to come to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, just long enough to meld everything together.
5. Build the slow cooker base
Carefully pour the simmering broth and vegetable mixture over the browned lamb shanks in the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, along with their juices. Sprinkle in the chopped rosemary and thyme, then nestle in the bay leaves. Together, these herbs create a fragrant bouquet of earthy, woodsy, and slightly floral notes that will infuse the lamb over the long cooking time.
6. Slow cook to perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8 hours. During this time, the lamb shanks slowly absorb the flavors of the broth, tomatoes, and herbs. The connective tissue breaks down gradually, resulting in meat so tender it literally falls off the bone. The vegetables will soften even further, enriching the gravy with body and sweetness.
7. Finish and serve
When the cooking time is complete, carefully open the slow cooker and remove the bay leaves. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the silky herb gravy generously over each lamb shank before serving. The meat will be incredibly soft, with flavors deeply infused all the way through.
⏱️ Timing & Nutrition
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 510 kcal per serving
Servings: 4