Description
Transform tough beef shanks into a tender, flavorful masterpiece with this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Enjoy fall-off-the-bone beef in a rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients
- Beef shanks: 2-3 lbs
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Red wine: 1 cup (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried rosemary: 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper. Sear the shanks on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. If using red wine, deglaze the pan by pouring it in and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Transfer the seared beef shanks to the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed vegetables and any pan juices over the beef. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef shanks are very tender and easily fall off the bone. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Don’t skip searing the beef shanks for a richer, caramelized flavor.
- Ensure beef shanks are mostly submerged in liquid to prevent drying.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking to taste.
- Skim excess fat from the surface of the sauce before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Beef
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shank with sauce
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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