Easy Braised Beef Shanks Recipe

This easy braised beef shanks recipe is rich, tender, and full of flavor. It’s one of those cozy beef recipes that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cold nights or special Sunday dinners.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly tender and juicy.
• It tastes like it cooked all day, but it’s simple to make.
• It’s the perfect comfort food for winter dinner ideas.

Ingredients

• Beef shanks : rich meat base that becomes tender while braising
• Olive oil : adds smooth flavor and helps brown the meat
• Onion : brings sweetness and aroma
• Garlic : adds deep savory taste
• Beef broth : builds rich sauce and moisture
• Tomato paste : gives color and mild tang
• Carrots : add natural sweetness
• Celery : gives a light earthy flavor
• Bay leaves : add warm aroma
• Thyme : adds a fresh herbal touch
• Salt and pepper : balance and enhance flavor

Step by Step Instructions

1. Pat the beef shanks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the shanks until brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste.
4. Return the shanks to the pot. Pour in beef broth until the meat is just covered. Add thyme and bay leaves.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 2 to 3 hours until the meat is fork tender.
6. Remove the shanks and let the sauce reduce for 10 minutes for a thicker finish.

Mistakes To Avoid

When making this easy braised beef shanks recipe, slow and steady cooking is key. Rushing can make the meat tough instead of tender.

• Do not boil the liquid too hard; gentle simmering gives the best texture.
• Never skip browning the shanks first, as it adds rich depth to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these braised beef shanks with creamy mashed potatoes or over rice for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For more hearty dinner recipes, try this creamy ground beef pasta recipe or the cracked out chicken tater tot casserole. If you enjoy comforting flavors, you’ll love the chicken cordon bleu casserole or the Longhorn steakhouse chicken recipe too.

Easy Braised Beef Shanks

This easy braised beef shanks recipe is rich, tender, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for cozy nights, offering deep comfort and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like it cooked all day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 beef shanks patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Pat the beef shanks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the shanks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste.
• Return the shanks to the pot. Pour in beef broth until the meat is just covered. Add thyme and bay leaves.
• Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until the meat is fork tender.
• Remove the shanks and let the sauce reduce for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slow and gentle cooking is key—avoid boiling too hard to keep the meat tender. Browning the shanks first builds a rich, deep flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Keyword Beef, Braised, Comfort Food

FAQs

Can I make braised beef shanks in advance?

Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead. In fact, they taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Simply reheat slowly on the stove or in the oven until warm and tender again.

Can I use another cut of beef?

Yes, you can use short ribs or chuck roast if you can’t find shanks. Both cuts work beautifully with this slow braising method and produce a similar tender, flavorful result.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce thickens as it cools, making it even more delicious when reheated gently on low heat.

Conclusion

This easy braised beef shanks recipe brings warmth, comfort, and rich flavor to your table. It’s one of those beef recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Save or pin this dish for your next cozy night in, and make it part of your favorite winter dinner ideas collection.