Name: Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 lamb shanks; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 pound halved baby potatoes; 1 cup Kalamata olives; 1 jar sundried tomatoes (approximately 6-8 ounces); 1 cup chicken broth; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon onion powder

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe. I absolutely love how the lamb turns out tender, infused with zesty lemon and Mediterranean flavors that transport you right to a cozy Greek taverna. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is a game-changer—promise me, you’ll want to keep it in your slow cooker rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: You just set it and forget it—perfect for busy days or entertaining without stress.
Rich, Authentic Flavor: The Greek spice rub and tangy lemon juice really bring out that Mediterranean magic.
Tender, Fall-Off-the-Bone Meat: The slow cooker does wonders making the lamb unbelievably soft and juicy.
Beautiful, Balanced Sides: Potatoes, olives, and sundried tomatoes all soak up the flavor for a complete meal.

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with two large, browned meat pieces placed in the center, sprinkled with herbs. Around the meat, there are many small, round, yellow and purple potatoes and some shriveled, dark red sun-dried tomatoes mixed with a few black olives, all resting at the bottom. The textures vary from rough and crispy on the meat to smooth and firm on the potatoes with the dried tomatoes adding wrinkled, chewy details. The slow cooker is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks, Greek Lamb Shanks, Mediterranean Lamb Recipes, Easy Lamb Dinner, Tender Lamb Shanks

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe is how simple ingredients come together for complex, layered flavor. From fresh lemon juice to aromatic dried herbs, each element lends that unmistakable Greek vibe. When shopping, look for fresh lamb shanks and good-quality Kalamata olives for the best results.

Flat lay of four raw lamb shanks seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a cluster of halved baby potatoes with smooth skins, a small white bowl filled with deep purple Kalamata olives, a small white bowl holding bright red sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl containing fresh lemon juice, and a small white bowl with a mix of dried oregano, dried basil, dried rosemary, and onion powder arranged neatly in sections, all symmetrically placed on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks, Greek Lamb Shanks, Mediterranean Lamb Recipes, Easy Lamb Dinner, Tender Lamb Shanks

Olive oil: Adds richness for browning and keeps meat juicy.
Lamb shanks: This cut’s perfect for slow cooking—tough at first but so tender after hours!
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning but essential to bring all flavors out.
Baby potatoes: I like halving them so they cook evenly and soak up the sauce.
Kalamata olives: Adds briny depth, so grab the plumpest you can find.
Sundried tomatoes: They bring a sweet tang that balances the savory lamb nicely.
Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful cooking liquid that keeps everything moist.
Lemon juice: This fresh acidity brightens the dish and makes it irresistibly vibrant.
Dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and onion powder: Classic Greek flavors that make the spice rub sing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak to your liking and make it your own—trust me, your family and friends will still go crazy for it!

Add Vegetables: I often add carrots or parsnips for a sweeter touch and extra color—it really rounds out the meal.
Spice it up: If you like a kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the broth before cooking.
Make it dairy-free: This recipe is naturally free of dairy, so it works great if you’re avoiding those ingredients.
Swap Potatoes: Try fingerling potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a fun twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Lamb Shanks to Lock in Flavor

Start by heating a large, heavy skillet with that tablespoon of olive oil. I always season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper just before adding them to the pan. Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until you get that beautiful golden crust. This step is key—it seals in the juices and amps up the flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned, set the lamb aside and get ready to build your slow cooker magic.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place your halved baby potatoes, Kalamata olives, and sundried tomatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper to wake up those flavors. Then pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. These bright liquids not only keep everything moist but also infuse the lamb as it cooks. Next, nestle the browned lamb shanks on top. You’ll notice this layering lets the potatoes soak up all that lemony, olive goodness throughout the slow cooking time.

Step 3: Prepare and Apply the Greek Spice Rub

In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and onion powder for that unmistakable Greek flavor punch. Rub the mixture generously all over the lamb shanks. This step is where the real magic happens—I discovered early on that the herbs transform simple lamb into an almost restaurant-level dish. Once coated, set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 8 hours. By the end, you’ll have lamb that’s fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Check and Serve

After those 8 glorious hours, check that the lamb is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. The sauce will have thickened slightly, coating everything with those gorgeous Mediterranean flavors. If you find some liquid still there, you can always turn the slow cooker to high and cook a bit uncovered to reduce it. Otherwise, it’s ready to serve—right from the pot to your plate. Easy and impressive!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: I learned early on that this is what gives the lamb its rich depth, so brown the shanks well on all sides.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the brightness that brings out the best in this recipe.
Layer Thoughtfully: Putting veggies at the bottom helps them absorb all those lovely juices and keeps everything evenly cooked.
Low and Slow is Key: Cooking on low for 8 hours makes the meat tender while keeping it juicy—trust this timing for foolproof results.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe

A white oval plate holds four large cooked lamb chops, each with a bone sticking out, covered in a dark herb crust. The lamb chops rest on a bed of small round pale yellow potatoes, dark olives, and pieces of sun-dried tomatoes scattered beneath and around them. The plate sits on a white marbled surface partly covered by a gray and white striped cloth. To the top left of the plate is a small white bowl filled with dried herbs and a small clear spoon resting inside. Above the plate, five seasoning bottles with red caps lie in a loose line, showing labels with various herbs and spices. A white serving spoon is at the bottom right corner, partly on the cloth photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks, Greek Lamb Shanks, Mediterranean Lamb Recipes, Easy Lamb Dinner, Tender Lamb Shanks

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and a little crumbled feta over the lamb right before serving. It adds a fresh, salty pop that brightens the whole dish and makes it look extra inviting. A lemon wedge on the side is also a must—because you never know when you might want an extra squeeze of citrus!

Side Dishes

Serve this Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks with a simple Greek salad or steamed green beans dressed with olive oil and garlic. If you want a cozy carb side, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy couscous soak up that luscious sauce perfectly. For a fun change, I’ve sometimes served it over a bed of lemony orzo pasta, which my family can’t get enough of.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate each lamb shank with a colorful mix of the slow-cooked potatoes and olives, then drizzle some of the cooking liquid around the plate. Adding a sprig of fresh thyme or oregano on top makes it look restaurant-ready without extra fuss. It’s amazing how a little thoughtful plating elevates this home-cooked meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers (which happens rarely!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lamb actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further. Just make sure to keep the lamb separated from the potatoes if you want to reheat them at different speeds.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I separate the lamb shanks and veggies into freezer-friendly containers and label them with the date. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or slow cooker.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers on low heat in a covered pan on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if things seem dry. The slow warming helps keep the lamb juicy without drying it out, and the potatoes come back perfectly soft.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lamb shanks for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen lamb shanks, but for best results, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before browning. This helps them cook evenly and prevents excess liquid from diluting the flavors in your slow cooker.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives if I don’t have them?

You can substitute with other briny olives like black olives or Castelvetrano olives, though Kalamata has that distinct tang. If olives aren’t an option, add a splash of capers to bring in the briny punch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Everything used in this Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it great for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I cook the lamb shanks on high in the slow cooker?

You can, but slow cooking on low for 8 hours results in much more tender meat. Cooking on high will shorten the time but sometimes makes the lamb less tender, so I usually stick with low for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I still remember the first time I made it—my family couldn’t stop raving! The combination of tender lamb, citrusy brightness, and savory olives makes it a standout meal that’s surprisingly simple. If you want a recipe that’s both comforting and special, give this one a try. I’m confident it’ll earn its spot in your recipe arsenal just like it did in mine.