Ina Garten Lamb Shank Recipe

The Ina Garten Lamb Shank Recipe is a rich, comforting dish perfect for dinner parties or special family meals. Lamb shanks are slow-cooked until tender and juicy, infused with aromatic herbs, garlic and vegetables.

The result is a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

Today, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Lamb Shank step by step, with simple instructions anyone can follow, and guide you through the ingredients needed for this delicious dish.

My Experience With This Ina Garten Lamb Shank

I first tried this recipe for a cozy Sunday dinner. The aroma of lamb, rosemary and garlic filled the kitchen, making everyone hungry.

After slow cooking, the lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. My family loved it, and it felt like a restaurant-quality meal at home.

It was simple to prepare in advance and perfect for serving with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. This recipe has now become a favorite for holidays and special dinners.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Lamb Shank
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / French-Inspired
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Oven mitts

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lamb Shank

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cups beef or chicken stock
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking for tender, juicy lamb shanks.

2. Season the Lamb Shanks

Pat lamb dry and season generously with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps with browning.

3. Brown the Lamb

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot. Brown lamb shanks on all sides for rich flavor.

4. Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally. This enhances the sauce.

5. Deglaze with Wine

Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape browned bits from the bottom to add depth of flavor.

6. Add Stock and Tomatoes

Add beef stock, crushed tomatoes, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine ingredients.

7. Simmer and Cover

Bring to a simmer on the stove for 5 minutes. Cover with a lid for even slow cooking.

8. Bake in Oven

Transfer pot to the preheated oven. Bake for 2–2.5 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.

9. Garnish and Serve

Remove lamb from pot and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with sauce spooned over the top.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lamb Shank

• Brown lamb shanks well to enhance flavor.
• Use fresh herbs for aromatic richness.
• Cook slowly at low heat for tender meat.
• Deglaze the pan for a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Let lamb rest for a few minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the browning step, which reduces depth of flavor.
• Cooking at too high heat, which dries out the meat.
• Forgetting to deglaze, missing out on rich pan flavors.
• Using low-quality wine; a good dry red improves the taste.
• Not seasoning enough, resulting in a bland dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ina Garten Lamb Shank with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or polenta. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with starchy sides. Garnish with fresh parsley for color.

This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family meal. Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day and taste even better as flavors meld overnight.

Variations You Can Try

• Add pearl onions or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Substitute rosemary with fresh oregano or sage for a different herb profile.
• Use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter sauce.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the sauce flavor.
• Serve over creamy risotto or couscous instead of potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to preserve tenderness.
• Freeze portions for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Stir sauce before serving to mix flavors evenly.
• Cover while reheating to prevent the meat from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	40 g
Fat	30 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g

Health Benefits

Lamb is a great source of high-quality protein, iron and vitamin B12. Cooking with vegetables adds fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Using moderate olive oil and herbs enhances heart-healthy benefits. This dish is nutrient-dense, comforting and flavorful, making it a wholesome meal for family or special occasions.

FAQs about Ina Garten Lamb Shank Recipe

Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours. This keeps lamb tender and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare a day ahead; flavors deepen overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

What sides pair well with lamb shanks?
Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, roasted vegetables or couscous for a complete meal.

Can I use different herbs if I don’t have rosemary?
Yes, thyme, sage, or oregano work well and still give aromatic flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is mild and savory. You can add chili flakes for gentle heat if desired.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Lamb Shank Recipe is a comforting, elegant dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

Slow-cooked lamb with aromatic vegetables and herbs creates a rich, flavorful meal that looks impressive but is simple to make. Paired with mashed potatoes, polenta or roasted vegetables, it becomes a complete, satisfying dinner.

With tips, variations and careful cooking, this lamb shank recipe will become a favorite for holidays, dinner parties and cozy meals at home.