Name: Crock Pot Tender Greek Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h 20 min
Total time: 8 h 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 large lamb shanks or 6 smaller ones; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed; 1 ½ tsp Kosher salt or Maldon sea salt flakes; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp allspice; 4 large shallots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 5 carrots, peeled and cut into chunky pieces; 5 cloves garlic, sliced or minced; 14 oz (400g) can peeled plum tomatoes, roughly chopped; 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup (125ml) red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot; 1 cup (250ml) beef broth or chicken broth; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 2 bay leaves; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 tbsp chopped parsley; Red pepper flakes, to taste

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If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your fork into meat so tender it practically melts away, then you are in for a treat with the Crock Pot Tender Greek Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe. This dish captures the essence of Greek comfort food with its rich herbs, vibrant spices, and slow-cooked lamb that transforms into an unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for those days when you want incredible flavors without nonstop kitchen time, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas while the crock pot does all the hard work. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will soon become your go-to for lamb shanks cooked to absolute perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish holds four raw pieces of meat, each with a thick triangular shape and visible bones. The meat is light pink with patches of white fat and is covered evenly with a dark red powdery spice. Some of the dish's bottom shows a thin glaze of oil, reflecting light. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this recipe means gathering ingredients that might feel simple but are absolutely essential to bringing out those deep, warm flavors and beautiful textures in your dish. Every component plays a role, from fresh herbs that infuse aroma to robust spices that deepen the character of the lamb, and hearty vegetables that provide sweetness and body to the sauce.

Lamb Shanks: Choose large, meaty shanks for that perfect balance of tender meat and gelatinous richness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the lamb for a flavorful crust.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors wonderfully.
Sweet Paprika: Brings a smoky-sweet depth and vibrant color to the meat.
Ground Cumin and Allspice: Key spices that add warmth and a subtle earthiness evocative of Greek cuisine.
Shallots, Celery, Carrots, and Garlic: A flavor base that softens into a luscious, aromatic vegetable medley.
Peeled Plum Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: They create a rich, slightly tangy sauce that clings beautifully to the lamb.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and a subtle umami kick to the braise.
Red Wine: Provides acidity and depth, lifting the entire flavor profile.
Beef Broth: The liquid foundation that ensures the lamb stays juicy and the sauce thickens perfectly.
Fresh Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaves, and Cinnamon Stick: Classic herbs and a hint of warm spice that make this dish undeniably Greek.
Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes (for serving): Fresh, bright, and a touch of heat to finish the dish in style.

How to Make Crock Pot Tender Greek Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Lamb Shanks

Start by taking your lamb shanks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly. If there’s a silvery membrane known as silver skin, gently remove it to avoid tough chewy bits. Then, drizzle the shanks with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and allspice on all sides. This seasoning step is where the layers of flavor begin, creating that irresistible crust during browning.

Step 2: Brown the Lamb for Maximum Flavor

Using your slow cooker’s searing function, or a hot skillet if you prefer, brown the lamb shanks until they develop a beautiful caramelized crust on all sides. This browning process unlocks deep, savory flavor and adds an appealing texture contrast to the finished dish. Once browned, set the shanks aside on a plate to rest for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Without cleaning your pot, splash in a bit of red wine to deglaze, loosening up those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then, add olive oil if needed and toss in your shallots, finely diced celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. This sautéed vegetable mix forms the heart of your sauce, delivering sweetness and greatness in every spoonful.

Step 4: Build the Braising Liquid

Next, stir in the peeled plum tomatoes, optional tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, the rest of the red wine, and beef broth. Add your fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick right on top. This mix envelops the lamb with complex herbaceous and spicy undertones that make this braised dish authentically Greek and utterly comforting.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Lamb to Perfection

Nestle the shanks into the liquid so they are mostly submerged. Cover your crock pot and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 6 to 8 hours. During this slow cooking, the meat becomes impossibly tender and infused with all those rich Greek flavors. It’s almost magical how the hours of gentle heat transform the lamb into falling-apart bliss.

Step 6: Final Touches and Sauce Preparation

Once cooked, carefully remove the lamb and plenty of the softened carrots with a slotted spoon. Discard the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and herb stems. If you like, partially blend the remaining sauce with an immersion blender to your preferred texture. Check and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The sauce should be luscious and intense, the perfect companion to your fork-tender lamb.

How to Serve Crock Pot Tender Greek Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe

A white plate with blue geometric patterns holds a layered dish starting with a creamy layer of yellow mashed potatoes spread evenly on the bottom. On top of the mashed potatoes, there are several large brown cooked meat pieces with bones showing, tender and glazed with a rich brown sauce. Bright orange carrot chunks and green chopped herbs are scattered over the meat and potatoes, adding color and freshness. A silver spoon rests on the side of the plate, and the background is a white marbled surface with small green herb bits sprinkled around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your plate with freshly chopped parsley and a scattering of red pepper flakes. The parsley adds a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle lively heat that elevates every bite without overpowering. These finishing touches make your dish look and taste like a Greek feast.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy orzo, light couscous, or even a simple steamed rice. These sides soak up the rich, herbaceous sauce beautifully. For added texture and freshness, a crisp Greek salad or sautéed greens on the side provide a lovely balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, serve the lamb shanks on a large platter surrounded by heaps of sauce and vibrant vegetables. Alternatively, plate individual shanks over a bed of your favorite starch with sauce drizzled artistically around. Garnishing with additional sprigs of rosemary or thyme elevates the visual appeal and adds fragrance at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lamb shanks keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meat and sauce tend to intensify in flavor overnight, making for delicious next-day meals. Store the lamb submerged in sauce to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled lamb shanks and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some headroom for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a cover to keep moisture in. Stir occasionally to evenly warm the sauce and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?

While lamb shanks are ideal due to their connective tissue that breaks down beautifully, you can try bone-in lamb shoulder as a substitute. It will cook well in the crock pot but keep in mind the texture and cooking time might differ slightly.

Is red wine necessary in this Crock Pot Tender Greek Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe?

Red wine adds wonderful acidity and richness, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute it with extra beef broth and a splash of vinegar like red wine or balsamic vinegar for complexity.

Can I make this dish in the oven instead of a crock pot?

Absolutely! You can use a Dutch oven and braise the lamb in a 350°F oven for about 2 ½ to 3 hours until tender. The oven method is slightly quicker but equally delicious.

Should I remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves before serving?

Yes, it’s best to discard these whole spices after cooking since they are tough and not pleasant to eat. They do their magic during the braise by imparting subtle flavor and are meant to be removed before serving.

What side dishes go best with Greek braised lamb shanks?

Traditional choices like orzo, mashed potatoes, couscous, or rice all complement the rich sauce. Fresh, crisp salads or sautéed greens also offer a refreshing counterpoint, making your meal balanced and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comfort and depth of flavor in the Crock Pot Tender Greek Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe. It’s a recipe that brings people to the table and invites warm, happy memories with every tender bite. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your cooking repertoire, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor.