Italian Easy Slow Cooked Shanks

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Italian Easy Slow Cooked Shanks are one of my favourite dishes to cook for my family. There’s something truly special about a dish that cooks low and slow, filling your kitchen with rich aromas and promising comfort in every bite. These Italian Easy Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks are a perfect example of that kind of soulful cooking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform humble lamb shanks into a fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

This recipe is all about ease and flavor. A quick sear to lock in the juices, a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic and herbs, and then a long, gentle cook in the oven or slow cooker until the meat becomes irresistibly tender. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or an effortless weekend meal, this dish delivers rustic elegance with minimal effort.

Serve it over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty gluten free bread to soak up the sauce and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your comfort food rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like home every time I cook this dish. It reminds me of Sunday night family dinners with our fire roaring and red wine flowing!

Ingredients

Lamb Shanks: From your local butcher
Onion: Finely chopped
Garlic: minced
Crushed Tomatoes
Tomato Paste: I love this for a richer flavour
Oregano: Dried
Stock: Homemade or bought is just fine!

You can choose to cook in Italian Easy Slow Cooked Shanks in a slow cooker or in the oven. It all depends if you are home or out. Both options cook beautifully!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 160c.
Sear lamb shanks: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot. Brown lamb shanks on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
Add tomatoes & herbs: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup of water or stock and stir to combine.
Return lamb: Nestle lamb shanks back into the sauce. Cover with lid or foil.
Slow cook in oven for 3–3.5 hours, until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread

Frequently Asked Questions

How long would the shanks need to cook in a Slow Cooker?

Approx 8 hours on slow or 6 hours on fast.

Can I add gluten free gravy powder to the sauce?

I love this idea! The gluten free gravy powder will also thicken the sauce and add a new level of flavour

What is your favourite grain to serve with the Shanks?

Polenta! I love how the polenta absorbs the delicious lamb sauce. I love to add Parmesan and butter to Polenta for extra creaminess