This slow cooker lamb shanks recipe is another one of Shirley’s own, which she regularly cooks for Dennis, me, and the rest of the family.

She came up with it because she prefers lamb shanks cooked from fresh, using ingredients she has chosen herself, rather than pre-cooked versions where you have no real control over where the meat came from or what has been added. She certainly likes to do things her own way, and to be fair, this one is hard to argue with.

The great thing about slow cooker lamb shanks is how simple they are. A couple of good lamb shanks, gravy, mint sauce, and time. That is really all you need.

You can put them on before work, leave them cooking low and slow, and come home to tender lamb in rich minted gravy. Proper comfort food, with hardly any prep.

It is also worth remembering that the key to a really great tasting dish is good ingredients. Use proper British lamb shanks if you can, because you really will taste the difference.

Are Lamb Shanks Good in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, lamb shanks are ideal for the slow cooker.

Lamb shanks come from the lower leg of the animal, so they contain plenty of connective tissue. That means they can be tough if cooked quickly, but when cooked slowly, the meat becomes soft, rich and tender.

The slow cooker is perfect because it gives lamb shanks plenty of time to cook gently in gravy until the meat starts to fall away from the bone.

How Long Do Lamb Shanks Take in the Slow Cooker?

Slow cooker lamb shanks usually take around 7 to 8 hours on low, or around 4 to 5 hours on high.

The lamb is ready when the meat is tender and starting to pull away from the bone. If the shanks still feel tough, keep cooking them for longer.

Lamb shanks are very forgiving as long as there is enough liquid in the slow cooker to stop them drying out.

Can You Put Raw Lamb Shanks in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can put raw lamb shanks straight into the slow cooker.

If you want extra flavour, you can brown them first in a hot pan before adding the gravy. This gives the outside of the meat more colour and adds depth to the finished sauce.

That said, this recipe is meant to be simple. If you want to keep things easy, just add the lamb shanks, gravy and mint sauce to the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Do Lamb Shanks Need to Be Covered in Liquid?

No, lamb shanks do not need to be completely covered in liquid.

You want enough gravy in the bottom of the slow cooker to keep the meat moist and create a sauce, but the shanks do not need to be fully submerged.

As they cook, the lamb will release juices and flavour into the gravy. If the sauce looks like it is reducing too much, add a little more gravy, stock or water.

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe

This is a simple slow cooker lamb shanks recipe with minted gravy. It uses just a few ingredients, but the result is rich, tender and full of flavour.

Ingredients

• 2 lamb shanks
• 300ml beef gravy or lamb gravy
• 3 teaspoons concentrated mint sauce, or to taste
• Salt and black pepper, optional

Method

1. Add the lamb shanks - Place the lamb shanks into the slow cooker.
2. Make the minted gravy - Mix the gravy with the concentrated mint sauce. Taste and add more mint sauce if you like it stronger.
3. Pour over the gravy - Pour the minted gravy over the lamb shanks. The shanks do not need to be completely covered, but there should be enough liquid in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Cook low and slow - Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the lamb is tender and starting to fall away from the bone.
5. Check the sauce - If the gravy looks too thick or reduced during cooking, add a little more stock, gravy or water.
6. Serve - Serve the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, vegetables and plenty of minted gravy.

Oven Method for Lamb Shanks

If you would rather cook lamb shanks in the oven, you can use a similar method.

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas Mark 6.
2. Place the lamb shanks in a lidded ovenproof dish and cook for around 30 minutes.
3. Make your gravy and stir in the mint sauce to taste.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and drain away any excess liquid if needed.
5. Add the minted gravy to the dish with the lamb shanks.
6. Lower the oven to 150°C / 130°C fan / Gas Mark 2.
7. Cover and cook for at least another 90 minutes, or longer if needed, until the lamb is tender.

For really tender lamb shanks, the oven method may need 2½ to 3 hours in total, depending on the size of the shanks.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

In all honesty, it has got to be mashed potato, hasn’t it?

All that minty lamb gravy goes perfectly with creamy mash. You can keep it traditional with white potato mash, or mix things up with sweet potato, or a combination of the two. Whichever you choose, please use real butter. Nothing else compares.

Good sides for slow cooker lamb shanks include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato mash
• Roast potatoes
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted carrots
• Peas
• Buttered greens
• Yorkshire puddings
• Crusty bread

Let’s be honest, most of it will end up covered in that minted gravy anyway, so it is going to be good.

Why Are My Lamb Shanks Tough?

If your lamb shanks are tough, they usually need longer.

Lamb shanks contain connective tissue that needs time to break down. If they are not tender yet, keep cooking them low and slow, making sure there is still enough liquid in the slow cooker.

You can cook lamb shanks for 7 to 8 hours in a slow cooker, and sometimes longer if needed. The meat should be soft and starting to pull away from the bone.

Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks?

Yes, slow cooker lamb shanks freeze well.

Allow the lamb and gravy to cool fully, then portion into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating until piping hot throughout.

For best results, freeze the lamb shanks with some of the gravy so the meat stays moist when reheated.

Tips for Better Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

• If you like it minty, add more mint sauce. Simple.
• Allow one lamb shank per adult.
• Cook on low for the best texture.
• Brown the lamb first if you want extra flavour, but do not worry if you skip it.
• Keep enough gravy in the slow cooker so the shanks do not dry out.
• Serve with mash if you want the full comfort-food effect.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker lamb shanks are simple, comforting and full of flavour. You only need a few ingredients, but the result tastes like something that has taken a lot more effort.

Good lamb shanks, proper gravy, mint sauce and time are the important bits. Cook them low and slow until the meat is tender, serve with mash, and spoon plenty of minted gravy over the top.

Shirley had this one right from the start.

FAQs

How long do lamb shanks take in the slow cooker?

Lamb shanks usually take 7 to 8 hours on low, or 4 to 5 hours on high. They are ready when the meat is tender and starting to fall away from the bone.

Can you put raw lamb shanks in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw lamb shanks straight into a slow cooker. Browning them first adds extra flavour, but it is not essential.

Do lamb shanks need to be covered in liquid?

No, lamb shanks do not need to be fully covered. You need enough gravy or stock in the bottom of the slow cooker to keep them moist and create a sauce.

Why are my lamb shanks tough?

If lamb shanks are tough, they usually need more cooking time. Keep cooking them low and slow until the connective tissue breaks down and the meat softens.

What gravy is best for lamb shanks?

Lamb gravy works well, but beef gravy also gives a rich flavour. For this recipe, add concentrated mint sauce to the gravy for a simple minted lamb shank sauce.

What do you serve with lamb shanks?

Mashed potatoes are the classic choice. Roasted carrots, broccoli, peas, buttered greens, crusty bread and Yorkshire puddings also work well.

Can you freeze slow cooker lamb shanks?

Yes, slow cooker lamb shanks can be frozen with the gravy for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating until piping hot.