Are you craving a truly comforting and delicious meal that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this unbelievably tender beef shank recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a rich, flavorful experience that will impress everyone at the table. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy cooks searching for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. This homemade cooking adventure is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in beef shank
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef Shank
Pat the beef shank dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef shank on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef shank from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglazing the Pot and Building Flavor
Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This deglazing process adds incredible depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Return the beef shank to the Dutch oven. Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Slow cook for at least 3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily falls apart with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes! For an even richer flavor, consider cooking it for 4-5 hours.
Step 5: Serving Your Delicious Creation
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the Dutch oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding it with two forks. Skim any excess fat from the sauce. You can either serve the shredded beef over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or polenta, or simply enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker sauce: Remove the beef and vegetables from the Dutch oven and simmer the sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce it.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips during the sautéing stage.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or sage.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced and healthy meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. A general estimate for a 4-serving recipe provides roughly 400-500 calories, 30-40g protein, and 20-30g fat per serving. For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities you used.
This beef shank recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes achievable through simple homemade cooking. It's a recipe that consistently delivers incredible results, making it a winner for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy!