Beef Shanks Recipe

A Hearty Delight: The Ultimate Beef Shanks Recipe. If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners and special family gatherings, this beef shanks recipe is exactly what you need. Slow-cooked to perfection, beef shanks deliver deep, savory flavors that make any meal feel extra special.

You’ll discover a delicious beef shank osso buco recipe that’s tender, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. The marrow-rich bones add incredible depth, while slow simmering creates perfectly melt-in-your-mouth meat. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weekend dinner or a memorable family meal, this one-pot dish is sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Loved this Beef Shanks recipe? You’ll also enjoy my Beef Rendang Indonesian Recipe and 3 Easy-to-Cook Beef Cube Recipes, two hearty dishes that are full of flavor and ideal for easy family meals.

Ingredients for Beef Shanks Recipe

• 4 beef shanks with bone (preferably 1½ inches thick)
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
• 2 carrots, diced
  
• 2 celery stalks, diced
  
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 cup dry white wine
  
• 2 cups beef broth
  
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  
• 1 small sprig fresh thyme, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  
• 2 bay leaves
• Parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Huge deep saucepan or an ovenproof casserole dish
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter

How to Make Beef Shanks Recipe

Step 1: Season the beef shanks generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef shanks and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.

Step 4: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the alcohol cooks off.

Step 5: Return the beef shanks to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 2–3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Step 7: Check the beef after 2 hours. If it’s not tender enough, continue cooking until perfectly soft.

Step 8: Transfer the beef shanks to a serving platter and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: If you are left with some (which I doubt because it tastes so good), then cover it and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: It is also possible to freeze the beef shanks for up to 2 months. The only thing you ought to do is to make sure the mixture cools to room temperature before putting it into a container that is safe for the freezer.

Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Shanks

1. Sear the beef shanks properly: Take your time to brown the meat until it develops a deep golden crust. This step adds rich, layered flavor to the final dish.

2. Cook low and slow: Beef shanks benefit from gentle, slow simmering. Rushing the process can make the meat tough instead of tender.

3. Wine substitutions work well: If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with extra beef broth or a splash of white grape juice for balance.

4. Adjust sauce thickness: If the sauce feels too thin, uncover the pot during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce naturally.

5. Flavors improve overnight: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it great for make-ahead meals.

6. Rest before serving: Let the beef shanks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the juices and sauce settle nicely.

Nutrition

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 11 g 
• Sodium: 600 mg
• potassium:700
• Fiber: 2 g 
• Vitamin A:3790 IU
• Vitamin C:8 mg
• Calcium:60 mg
• Protein: 22g

More Homemade Beef Recipes You’ll Try

• Beef Tongue Recipe
• Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe
• Berry Chia Pudding Recipe
• Ground Beef and Beans Recipe

FAQs

Q: Can I replace beef shanks with shank steak?

A: Yes, shank steak can be used if beef shanks aren’t available. Keep in mind that shank steak usually cooks faster and may not be as rich in flavor since it lacks the marrow-filled bone. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What side dishes pair well with beef shanks?

A: Beef shanks pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or crusty bread, which help soak up the flavorful sauce.

Q: How can I turn this into a beef shank soup?

A: After the beef shanks are fully cooked, simply add extra beef broth and vegetables to the pot. Simmer for a few more minutes to create a hearty, comforting soup.

Final Thoughts

This beef shanks recipe does take a bit of time, but the results are absolutely worth it. Slow cooking transforms the beef into a tender, flavorful dish that’s rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re trying beef shank osso buco for the first time or you’ve made it before, this recipe is sure to impress.