Tender and succulent braised beef shanks cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful sauce. This hearty dish is a comforting classic that is sure to impress.
Author:nadia
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:3 hours
Total Time:3 hours 20 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Braising
Cuisine:American, Italian-Inspired
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
UnitsScale
Beef Shanks:
4 beef shanks (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (sliced)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (smashed)
Seasonings and Liquids:
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1cup dry red wine
3cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Garnish:
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F.
Sear Beef Shanks: Pat beef shanks dry, season with salt and pepper. Sear in a Dutch oven until browned. Transfer to a plate.
Cook Vegetables: Cook onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened. Stir in tomato paste.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Deglaze with red wine, add broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and balsamic vinegar. Return beef shanks to the pot.
Braise: Cover and braise in the oven for 2½–3 hours until tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves, spoon sauce over shanks, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.
This dish improves with time—leftovers are excellent.