Lamb shank pie recipe is more than just a dish in our home — it’s a tradition. The kind of meal that quietly makes its way onto the table at Christmas, special occasions, and those moments when only something deeply comforting will do.
If you’ve spent any time on lizna.co.za, you’ll know I have a soft spot for recipes that come with a story. And this one? It’s been part of our family for as long as I can remember.
A Recipe Passed Down
This lamb shank pie recipe comes straight from my grandmother’s collection — the kind where recipes are carefully cut out of magazines and kept safe because they’re simply too good to lose.
The original recipe was published in Huisgenoot and submitted by Hendrik Conradie (although I’m not quite sure when). Somewhere along the way, it became ours.
I can still picture my grandmother making this, especially around Christmas. The kitchen would be warm, filled with that rich aroma of slow cooked lamb. It’s one of those smells that instantly takes you back.
Over the years, this dish has been shared, copied, and requested again and again. And without fail, every time it’s served, there’s hardly ever any left.
Why This Lamb Shank Pie Recipe Works
- Slow cooked lamb that’s tender and full of flavour
- A rich, creamy savoury sauce
- A soft, golden topping that’s lighter than traditional pastry
- Perfect for Christmas lunch or a hearty family dinner
This slow cooked lamb shank pie is comfort food at its best — simple, satisfying, and made to be shared.
Let’s Talk Lamb
If you’re new to cooking with lamb, lamb shanks are one of the most rewarding cuts to work with. When cooked low and slow, the meat becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred, making it perfect for this lamb shank pie recipe.
It’s the kind of dish that feels special without being complicated — which is exactly why it keeps showing up on our table year after year.
Make It Your Own
One of my favourite things about this recipe is the topping. It’s not your traditional pastry — it’s lighter, quicker, and incredibly versatile.
I’ve used this same topping for other bakes over the years, so don’t be afraid to experiment. You can easily adapt this easy lamb shank pie to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
If you enjoy comforting, nostalgic dishes like this, you might also love my chicken pie recipe or this easy dinner ideas post.
Lamb Shank Pie
Ingredients
Filling
- 1.4 kg lamb shanks
- 25 ml oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 50 ml all-purpose flour
- 25 ml mushroom soup powder
- 240 ml milk
- 1 tin mushrooms drained
- 10 ml mustard
- 125 ml grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 200 ml reserved lamb stock from cooking
Topping
- 125 ml milk
- 125 ml oil
- 1 egg
- 200 ml all-purpose flour
- 10 ml baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 onions sliced into rings
Instructions
Cook the Lamb
- Cook the lamb shanks in water until tender (about 30 minutes in a pressure cooker or longer on the stove). Reserve 200 ml of the cooking liquid. Remove meat from the bones and cut into pieces.
Prepare the Filling
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté the onion until lightly browned. Add the reserved stock. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and mushroom soup powder with the milk, then stir into the pot.
Build the Sauce
- Add the lamb pieces, mushrooms, and mustard. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese.
Assemble
- Transfer the filling into an oven-safe dish.
Prepare the Topping
- Mix together milk, oil, egg, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Spread over the meat mixture and arrange onion rings on top.
Bake
- Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and cooked through.
Notes
- The lamb can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge.
- This topping works well for other savoury pies too.
- Adjust seasoning depending on your mustard and soup powder.
Final Thoughts
This lamb shank pie recipe isn’t just about the ingredients. It’s about memories, shared meals, and the quiet tradition of recipes being passed down from one generation to the next.
It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with people. And if your experience is anything like ours… don’t expect leftovers.
Whether you’re making this for a festive occasion or simply craving something hearty, this South African lamb shank pie is guaranteed to become a favourite.
