Indulge in the exquisite depth of flavor in this Braised Lamb Ragù, where tender lamb shoulder slow-cooks in a symphony of red wine, aromatic herbs, and vibrant tomatoes. A touch of orange zest elevates this rustic dish to a culinary masterpiece. Prepare to be transported!
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
Carbohydrate
16 g
Cholesterol
77 mg
Fiber
4 g
Protein
22 g
Saturated Fat
8 g
Sodium
357 mg
Sugar
7 g
Fat
25 g
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. (5 minutes)
02
Step
Season lamb shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Sear in batches until deeply browned on all sides. Transfer to a platter. (20-30 minutes)
03
Step
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). (5 minutes)
04
Step
Add onion, celery, carrot, fennel, and garlic to the pot. Season with salt. Sauté until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. (10 minutes)
05
Step
Return lamb to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Add crushed tomatoes and red wine. Stir well. Tie marjoram, thyme, and rosemary sprigs together with kitchen twine and add to the pot, submerging them in the liquid. (5 minutes)
06
Step
Cover the Dutch oven and bring to a simmer on the stovetop. Transfer to the preheated oven and braise for 1 hour. (60 minutes)
07
Step
Add 1 cup of water to the pot, stir, and continue braising for another hour. (60 minutes)
08
Step
Remove lamb from the pot and shred or cut into smaller pieces. Return the lamb to the pot. Add the remaining 1 cup of water and stir to combine. (5 minutes)
09
Step
Continue to braise the ragù in the oven until the lamb is incredibly tender and the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes more. (30 minutes)
10
Step
Stir in chopped rosemary, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Add more water if the mixture seems too thick. (5 minutes)
For an even richer flavor, use bone-in lamb shoulder. This will require a longer braising time.
If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herb blend, added along with the tomatoes and wine.
Serve this ragù over pappardelle, tagliatelle, or your favorite pasta. It's also delicious served over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
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Kara Krajcik
Jun 22, 2025Emily K.: 'I added a pinch of cinnamon for a little extra warmth. Delicious!'
Braxton Heathcote
Jun 12, 2025Brian W.: 'I made it with venison, and it was fantastic!'
Theodore Prosacco
Jun 8, 2025David L.: 'I used chianti instead of red wine, and it turned out great.'
Charlene Bednar
Jun 1, 2025John B.: 'The lamb was so tender, it melted in my mouth. My family loved it!'
Gregorio Macgyver
May 24, 2025Sarah M.: 'This is the best ragù I've ever made! The orange zest is a game changer.'
Gerson Beier
May 15, 2025Jessica P.: 'Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect. Highly recommend!'
Ward Walker
May 6, 2025Karen T.: 'The fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor, the aroma filled my kitchen.'
Greyson Bernhard
Apr 29, 2025Ashley G.: 'Easy to follow recipe, and the result was restaurant-quality.'