---

A Slow-Braised Comfort Classic That Melts in Your Mouth

There’s something magical about lamb shanks that have been slow-cooked until tender, infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a rich tomato-based broth. This Baked Lamb Shanks recipe is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s a dinner that impresses—perfect for cozy weekends, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to serve something special.

Let’s dive into this hearty, soul-warming dish that practically falls off the bone!

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lamb Shanks:

• 2 lamb shanks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Braising Base:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

---

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). The low, steady heat allows the lamb to become incredibly tender as it slowly braises in the flavorful liquid.

Step 2: Season and Sear

Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until beautifully browned—about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot (don’t wipe it out!), add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen all those flavorful browned bits. Add rosemary and thyme.

Step 5: Braise to Perfection

Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them into the broth. Cover tightly with a lid or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Discard the herb sprigs. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lamb shanks over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or a bed of couscous to soak up all that rich, savory sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a touch of brightness.

---

Recipe Tips

• For extra richness, stir in a splash of red wine when deglazing the pan before adding the broth.
• Make ahead: This dish actually tastes better the next day! Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.
• Want to go bold? Add a pinch of cinnamon or a bay leaf to the braising liquid for a Moroccan-style twist.

---

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Serves 2-3

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: ~42g
• Carbs: ~15g
• Fat: ~36g

---

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, these oven-baked lamb shanks will have everyone raving. Cozy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Enjoy every fork-tender bite!

---