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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 53 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that feels both special and effortless, I’ve got just the thing for you: a Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors and so tender it practically melts off the bone. Seriously, your kitchen is going to smell amazing, and your family or guests will be asking for seconds—every time. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this cozy, flavorful dish with zero stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just a bit of prep and your slow cooker does all the magic while you get on with your day.
Rich Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of oregano, lemon, olives, and sundried tomatoes makes this dish uniquely delicious.
Tender, Fall-Off-The-Bone Meat: Slow cooking lamb shanks creates the most succulent texture you’ll ever experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe fits the bill.

Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple but bold ingredients that balance hearty meat with bright, zesty notes and briny olives. Don’t be intimidated by the Greek spice rub—it’s a quick pantry mix that really elevates the flavor.

Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe - Ingredients

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor in browning the lamb.
Lamb shanks: Ask your butcher for fresh shanks; they’re perfect for slow cooking and soak up all those spices beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Season generously to bring out the natural lamb flavor.
Baby potatoes: Halved for even cooking, they absorb the juices and become perfectly tender.
Kalamata olives: Adds that signature salty, tangy Greek zing that lifts the dish.
Sundried tomatoes: I love the concentrated sweetness they add—either in oil or dry-packed works.
Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds depth—feel free to use low sodium.
Lemon juice: The acidity brightens the rich lamb and seafood components wonderfully.
Dried oregano: The heart of the Greek spice rub, its aromatic earthiness can’t be skipped.
Dried basil: Adds a subtle herbaceous layer.
Dried rosemary: Pungent and piney, rosemary pairs perfectly with lamb.
Onion powder: A little savory enhancement to round out the rub.

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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

Feel free to make this Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe your own by swapping or adding ingredients—you’ll find it’s very forgiving and perfect for seasonal tweaks.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the rub for a gentle warmth that makes the dish even more comforting.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in some carrots or zucchini towards the last couple of hours for extra nutrition and color.
Herb Freshness: Finish with fresh mint or parsley for a vibrant pop that lightens the richness.
White Wine Swap: Instead of chicken broth, try a dry white wine for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Lamb to Lock in Flavor

First things first—heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil. I like to season each lamb shank with salt and pepper right before browning. You want to get a nice deep brown crust on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step really amps up the flavor and keeps the meat juicy while it slow cooks. Don’t skip it—it makes a noticeable difference.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor in Your Slow Cooker

Next, spread the halved baby potatoes, Kalamata olives, and sundried tomatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, which will steam the potatoes and create a luscious sauce. Then place the browned lamb shanks right on top.

Step 3: Make and Apply the Greek Spice Rub

While your slow cooker is set up, mix the dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this fragrant blend all over the lamb shanks. This simple mix brings those unmistakable Greek flavors without fuss, and the slow cooking melds it into every bite.

Step 4: Set it and Forget it

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the meat is so tender it falls off the bone with the gentlest nudge. I love how this slow cooker method frees you up while ensuring perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth lamb every time. If you’re short on time, you can cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, though low and slow is best.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: It adds so much depth and locks in juices—totally worth those extra minutes.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled can work, but fresh lemon gives a brighter, cleaner acidity that balances the lamb’s richness.
Low and Slow is Key: Trust me, cooking on low for 8 hours ensures tender shanks and robust flavors blending beautifully.
Layer Ingredients Properly: Putting potatoes and olives on the bottom so they steam in the broth makes them infused with flavor, not just boiled.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe

Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or mint over the dish right before serving to add a lively green pop and fresh herbal flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few crumbles of feta cheese on top takes it to the next level—my guests adore this little finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe is fantastic paired with a light Greek salad—think cucumber, tomato, red onion, and olives with a lemony dressing. I also love serving it alongside some fluffy couscous or warm pita bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the lamb shanks on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. It looks stunning and invites everyone to dig in family-style. You can also plate individually atop a bed of herbed orzo or creamy polenta for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in the fridge for up to 3 days if you store the lamb and sauce in an airtight container. I like to separate the potatoes too if I have room, so nothing gets mushy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After cooling completely, place the lamb shanks and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag with plenty of sauce. When I’ve done this, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and the texture stays excellent.

Reheating

I prefer reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, with a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This keeps the lamb juicy and prevents any toughness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but watch the time to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of lamb for this recipe?

While lamb shanks are ideal for slow cooking due to their rich connective tissue that breaks down beautifully, you can use lamb shoulder or leg steaks in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly; shoulder often requires similar slow-cook time, but leg steaks cook faster and might dry out if overcooked.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stovetop or in the oven. Brown the shanks as directed, then add ingredients, cover, and cook low and slow at around 300°F (150°C) in the oven for 3-4 hours until tender.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too salty?

Kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes can be quite salty, so be cautious with added salt. I recommend seasoning the dish lightly and tasting towards the end of cooking to adjust salt if needed.
Can I prepare the lamb shanks in advance?

Absolutely! You can season and brown the lamb the day before and store it covered in the fridge, then assemble everything in the slow cooker on cooking day. This is a great way to save time on a busy day.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks Recipe fills my home with warm, inviting aromas and makes dinner feel like a special occasion without needing hours of hands-on cooking. Whenever I make it, family and friends rave about the tender meat and the rich, vibrant flavors. I know you’ll enjoy this almost as much as I do—give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to comfort meals!