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A rustic-style plated beef shank dish with rich brown gravy, served with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs – warm lighting, shallow depth of field, professional food photography

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Braised Beef Shank Recipe: A Hearty One-Pot Comfort Classic

A deeply flavorful and comforting dish featuring bone-in beef shanks, slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables, broth, and herbs until fall-off-the-bone tender. Perfect for a hearty lunch, family gathering, or make-ahead meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian Fusion, French, Italian
Servings 4 peoples
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs
  • Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle
  • Optional: Slow cooker or oven (if not using stovetop)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bone-in beef shanks (1.5–2 lbs total)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 3 sliced carrots
  • 2 diced celery stalks
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Meat: Pat dry and sear beef shanks in oil until browned; remove and set aside.
    Close-up of searing beef shanks in a cast-iron Dutch oven with caramelized edges and sizzling oil – kitchen lighting, rustic cooking setup
  • Sauté Vegetables: Cook onion, carrots, and celery in the same pot; add garlic, tomato paste, and cook until fragrant.
    Sautéed mirepoix (onion, celery, carrots) with tomato paste in a Dutch oven, golden and aromatic – overhead cooking shot, moody lighting
  • Deglaze: Pour in red wine and reduce by half.
    Pouring red wine into a Dutch oven with sautéed vegetables, steam rising – cozy kitchen ambiance
  • Add Liquid & Herbs: Add broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Return beef to pot.
    Beef shanks submerged in rich broth with herbs floating, inside a Dutch oven – warm tones, top-down view
  • Simmer Slowly: Cover and simmer on low for 2.5–3.5 hours (or oven at 325°F).
    Close-up of slow-cooked beef shank falling off the bone in a rich, glossy sauce – comfort food photography
  • Serve: Plate with sauce and veggies; pair with bread, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
    Plated beef shank with rich sauce over mashed potatoes, garnished with herbs – moody lighting, elegant plating style
Keyword Beef Shank Recipe