Best Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe for a Hearty Meal

Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks transport you straight to a sun-drenched taverna overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where the aroma of slow-simmered herbs and tender meat fills the evening air.

Picture this: it’s Sunday afternoon, and your kitchen becomes a gateway to the Greek islands as cinnamon, oregano, and garlic dance together in perfect harmony. This isn’t just another dinner recipe – it’s a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary feast that will have your family gathering around the table with anticipation.

There’s something magical about the way lamb shanks surrender to the gentle braising process, becoming so tender they practically fall off the bone. This Mediterranean lamb shank recipe combines traditional Greek flavors with modern convenience, creating a slow cooked lamb shanks masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner party or treating your family to something extraordinary, this herb infused lamb shank dinner delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why this tender lamb shank meal has become my go-to recipe for impressing guests and creating unforgettable family memories. The first time I made these braised lamb shanks, my neighbor knocked on the door asking what smelled so incredible – that’s the power of cinnamon sticks and bay leaves working their aromatic magic for hours.

What makes this easy lamb shank dinner truly special is how it practically cooks itself. Once you’ve seared the meat and combined the ingredients, your oven does all the heavy lifting while you relax or prepare side dishes.

The result? Fork-tender lamb infused with Mediterranean flavors that taste like you’ve been cooking all day, even though the active prep time is minimal. Explore more satisfying dinner recipes here to complete your weekly meal planning.

Ingredients List

For the Lamb Shanks	Amount
Lamb shanks	4 (about 1600 g total)
Olive oil	1/4 cup
Pearl onions, peeled	1 1/2 cups
Garlic cloves, minced	4
Celery sticks, diced	2
Tomato sauce	28 oz jar (or can)
Chicken broth	4 cups
Beef broth	1 cup
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Garlic powder	2 tsp
Ground allspice	1/2 tsp
Cinnamon sticks	2 (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
Bay leaves	2
Kosher salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	1/2 tsp
Salt and pepper	To taste
Fresh parsley	For garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes	Amount
Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces	2 lbs
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup
Plain cream cheese	1/4 cup
Whole milk	1/4 cup
Salt	1 – 1 1/2 tsp
Ground pepper	1/4 tsp

Find more hearty lunch ideas here to pair with your leftover lamb for next-day meals.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Shanks
Pat the lamb shanks completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Sear the Meat
Working in batches if necessary, sear the lamb shanks for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned all over. This crucial step develops the rich, caramelized flavors that make Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks so exceptional. Transfer seared shanks to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot with the rendered fat, add pearl onions, minced garlic, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. The fond (browned bits) from the lamb will add incredible depth to your braising liquid.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in oregano, paprika, garlic powder, allspice, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Begin the Braising Process
Return the seared lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the braising liquid. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven.

Step 6: Slow Braise to Perfection
Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking every hour and adding more broth if needed to maintain liquid levels. The lamb is ready when it easily falls off the bone when tested with a fork.

Step 7: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
During the last hour of braising, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cubed Yukon Gold potatoes and cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Step 8: Finish the Potatoes
Add butter, cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk as needed for desired consistency.

Step 9: Final Assembly
Remove cinnamon sticks and bay leaves from the braising liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the tender lamb shanks over the creamy mashed potatoes, spooning the rich braising sauce generously over top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Exact Timing to make Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Searing Time: 15 minutes
• Braising Time: 2.5-3 hours
• Potato Preparation: 30 minutes (during final hour)
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 45 minutes
• Active Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Hands-off Time: 2.5-3 hours

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 lamb shank + potatoes)	% Daily Value*
Calories	675	34%
Total Fat	28g	36%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	145mg	48%
Sodium	1,240mg	54%
Total Carbohydrates	42g	15%
Dietary Fiber	6g	21%
Total Sugars	12g	–
Protein	52g	104%
Iron	4.8mg	27%
Potassium	1,180mg	25%
Vitamin B12	3.2mcg	133%
Zinc	6.8mg	62%

*Based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional data insights show that lamb is an excellent source of high-quality complete protein and vitamin B12, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. The combination of vegetables and herbs provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Nutritional Benefit
Regular mashed potatoes	Cauliflower mash (50/50 blend)	Reduces carbs by 40%, adds fiber and vitamin C
Heavy cream cheese	Greek yogurt	Cuts saturated fat by 60%, doubles protein content
Full-fat lamb shanks	Trimmed lean lamb leg	Reduces total fat by 25%, maintains protein quality
Regular chicken broth	Low-sodium bone broth	Reduces sodium by 40%, adds collagen and minerals
Pearl onions	Red onions + mushrooms	Increases antioxidants and umami flavor depth
Regular olive oil	Extra virgin olive oil spray	Reduces calories by 70% while maintaining healthy fats

For those following specific dietary needs, this Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks recipe adapts beautifully. Keto dieters can skip the potatoes entirely and serve over zucchini noodles, while those watching sodium can use fresh herbs instead of dried seasonings and make their own low-sodium tomato sauce. Explore more delicious desserts here to complete your Mediterranean-inspired meal with lighter sweet endings.

Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean Feast Presentation: Serve your Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks alongside traditional accompaniments like warm pita bread, tangy tzatziki, and a crisp Greek village salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. The combination creates an authentic taverna experience that transports your guests straight to the Greek islands.

Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, herb-infused flavors with a full-bodied red wine such as a Greek Agiorgitiko or a French Côtes du Rhône. The wine’s tannins beautifully balance the lamb’s richness while enhancing the cinnamon and oregano notes in the braising sauce.

Rustic Family Style: Present the dish family-style in the braising pot itself, allowing everyone to serve themselves while the aromas continue to fill the dining room. Add a side of roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs for a complete Mediterranean vegetable medley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Searing Step: Many home cooks rush past the browning process, but this is where the magic happens. Properly seared lamb shanks develop a deep, caramelized crust that adds layers of flavor to your Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks. Take the time to sear each side thoroughly – the fond (browned bits) will become the foundation of your rich braising sauce.

Braising at Too High Temperature: Patience is key when braising lamb shanks. Cooking at temperatures above 325°F will result in tough, stringy meat instead of the fork-tender texture you’re after. The low, slow cooking method allows collagen to break down gradually, creating that melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes this dish extraordinary.

Not Monitoring Liquid Levels: During the long braising process, liquid naturally evaporates. Check your pot every hour and add warm broth as needed to keep the lamb shanks mostly submerged. If the liquid level drops too low, the exposed meat can dry out and the flavors won’t penetrate properly throughout the cooking process.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Cool your Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks completely before transferring to airtight containers. The dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually improve overnight as the herbs and spices continue to meld. Store the braising liquid separately if possible to prevent the meat from becoming too soft.

Freezer-Friendly Options: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion the lamb shanks with their braising sauce in freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. For best results, freeze the mashed potatoes separately, as dairy-based sides can become grainy when frozen and thawed.

Reheating for Best Results: Thaw frozen lamb shanks overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in a covered Dutch oven at 300°F for about 30 minutes. Add a splash of broth if the sauce seems too thick. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual portions on 50% power, stirring the sauce halfway through to ensure even heating while maintaining the meat’s tender texture.

FAQs

Print