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.
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.