Uncover the secret to making the best-slow-cooked beef shanks in the red wine sauce recipe. Experience the mouthwatering and succulent beef shanks infused with the richness of red wine and aromatic herbs. This hearty dish promises to warm your soul on cold winter days, leaving your loved ones in awe. With easy-to-follow instructions and a dash of patience, you’ll create a masterpiece that will become a beloved staple in your household.

Don’t miss this delectable adventure; join me on a journey of flavors and indulge in the magic of slow cooking!

2 plates of succulent beef shanks infused with the richness of red wine and aromatic herbs.

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As this is the first recipe post on my food blog, I’m beyond excited to share a cherished family favorite with you – My best-slow-cooked beef shanks in a heavenly red wine sauce. This dish is special in my heart, so I publish this recipe first.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, making it a staple in our household. The magic happens when tender beef shanks soak up the flavors of the bold red wine and other seasonings, creating a taste sensation that never fails to impress.

So, get ready to join me on this nostalgic culinary journey, where I’ll spill all the secrets that make this recipe an absolute winner for my loved ones. Let’s dive in and create this heartwarming dish together and add this recipe as a new family favorite to your table.

Slow Cooked Beef Shanks with Red Wine Sauce with Mashed Potatoes on a white plate with a fork

Recipe Snapshot

EASE: Effortlessly create this mouthwatering slow-cooked beef shank in red wine sauce with just a few simple steps.
PROS: Enjoy tender, succulent beef infused with rich flavors, perfect for warming up on cold winter days.
CONS: Requires some patience during the slow cooking process, but the result is well worth it!
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? Absolutely. This dish is a staple of my family.

What is a beef shank?

A beef shank is a cross-section of the leg muscles of a cow located just above the knee.
It contains tough connective tissues and muscles, making it a tough cut of meat.
The cut appears as a circle of leg bone surrounded by meat.
Readily available in higher-quality grocery stores or local butcher shops.
Despite its toughness, beef shank is an affordable option packed with flavor.

What is the best way to cook beef shank?

The best way to make this traditional recipe to achieve tender and juicy results is by simmering it for a long time.
Slow cooking using a crock pot or braising methods works well to tenderize the meat.
Another option is cooking it in a preheated oven in a large Dutch oven, covered with aluminum foil, over low heat at 300F for 3 to 4 hours.
For convenience, an instant pot is also an excellent choice for cooking beef shanks.

Why you’ll love this signature comfort dish?

A plate of slow-cooked beef shanks in red wine sauce served with mashed potatoes.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness:

Imagine your loved ones’ delight as they relish each bite of this dish. The beef becomes incredibly tender, practically melting off the bone, delivering a mouthwatering experience that leaves everyone in awe of its luscious texture.

Unbeatable Convenience:

The true beauty of using a crock pot lies in its simplicity. Once you’ve prepped and seared the ingredients, you can entrust the slow cooker to work its magic. Embrace the “set it and forget it” approach, letting you go about your day while the beef shanks simmer to perfection.

Enhanced Flavor with Time:

The best things in life are worth the wait, and this dish is no exception. Preparing it a day ahead, this dish taste even better the next day. You allow the meat to soak up all the delectable goodness from the sauce, let the flavors meld and intensify, and the beef shanks become even more pronounced and tender.

What is the difference between cooking with red wine VS Stout?

Cooking with red wine brings fruity, acidic flavors and tannin complexity, while stout adds malty, roasted, and sometimes bitter notes with carbonation. Ultimately, the choice between red wine and dark beer in cooking depends on the flavor profile you want to achieve and the specific dish you are preparing. Each brings unique characteristics and can elevate different types of cuisine in delightful ways.

Cooking with Red Wine:

Flavor Profile: Red wine imparts a rich, fruity, and often slightly acidic taste to dishes, with notes of berries, cherries, and plums. It can add depth and complexity to sauces and braised dishes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Acidity: Red wine contains natural acidity, which helps balance and brighten the flavors of savory dishes, particularly meats like beef and lamb.
Culinary Applications: Red wine is versatile, commonly used in sauces, stews, and braised dishes, complementing meats like beef, lamb, and game exceptionally well.
Alcohol Content: Red wine typically has a higher alcohol content than stout, ranging from 12% to 15% ABV, which can add complexity and depth to the dish.

Cooking with Stout (Dark Beer):

Flavor Profile: Stout, as a dark beer, offers a malty and roasted taste, often with notes of coffee, chocolate, caramel, and sometimes smokiness. When used in cooking, it adds a rich and robust flavor to dishes, especially in stews and braises.
Bitterness: Dark beers have lower acidity than red wine but can have a pronounced bitterness from hops, complementing and contrasting the richness of meats and other ingredients in a dish.
Culinary Applications: Dark beer is excellent in dishes like stews, chilis, and marinades, enhancing the flavors of hearty meats like beef, pork, and game. It can also be used creatively in desserts and baked goods.
Alcohol Content: Stout generally has a lower alcohol content than red wine, typically ranging from 4% to 8% ABV. Unlike red wine, stout is carbonated, contributing to a different mouthfeel and texture when cooking.

Did you know?

I have a fantastic recipe for you to try: succulent short ribs braised in Guinness beer. You’ll love experiencing the unique flavors it brings to the dish. Give it a go and see if it is as phenomenal as I think.

Ingredients that you’ll need to make this recipe:

Beef Shanks – This is the key ingredient for this wonderful dish. It is rich in flavor, perfect for stewing, braising, and slow cooking to achieve a tender texture.
Basic Mirepoix – A classic French mix of aromatic vegetables like yellow onion, shallots, garlic, and carrots, forming the essential stew base for this dish.
Roma Tomatoes – Essential for this recipe’s hearty, classic flavor, providing a robust and satisfying element.
Tomato Paste – Intensely rich in tomato flavor, adding depth to the stew and creating an appetizing, vibrant color.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds extra umami flavor and enhances the taste of the red wine sauce.
A blend of dried herbs – Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley, lends a medley of aromatic flavors to the dish.
All-purpose flour – Coats the beef shank for a crispier texture and helps thicken the broth, contributing to a richer consistency.
Dry Red Wine – Cooking red wine or merlot works wonderfully, adding the desired wine notes without needing expensive options since the alcohol will evaporate during cooking.
Unsalted Beef stock – Infuses the stew with an even more luxurious, deep flavor, elevating the overall taste experience.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations:

Explore other protein options:

You can try other tougher-cut meats like oxtails, beef roast, or short ribs, which are great alternatives for this recipe.

Try another cooking method:

If you don’t have a slow cooker, a Dutch oven works just as well! Follow the exact cooking instructions, then transfer the Dutch oven to the oven, braising it at 300°F for 3 to 3 ½ hours.

To add extra sweetness:

Try adding baby carrots instead of regular-sized ones. They infuse the stew with extra sweetness and save you time cutting them.

How to make this recipe with a few easy steps?

Step 1: Mise en place

As the French term suggests, chop your vegetables and gather and measure all the ingredients before you begin. Don’t forget to wash and pat dry your beef shanks, ensuring everything is ready before making this recipe.

Step 2: Season the beef shanks

Place your beef shanks on a baking tray, and generously season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. Then, lightly coat each side with all-purpose flour. If you have any excess flour, don’t discard it; keep it aside for later steps when making Roux; it helps thicken the red wine sauce for more velvety consistency.

Don't forget to wash and pat dry your beef shanks. Place your beef shanks on a baking tray.

lightly coat each side with all-purpose flour.

Step 3: Brown your beef shanks

Begin by preheating your slow cooker. Once it’s heated, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pot. Allow the butter to melt and turn golden brown, then add the beef shanks to the pot. sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they become beautiful golden brown. Remove and set your seared beef shank and set aside and proceed to the next step.

add the beef shanks to the pot. sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they become beautiful golden brown.

Step 4: Cook your Mirepoix

After removing the seared beef shanks, melt another 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the pot. Add chopped onion, shallot, and garlic, and sauté them at medium heat for 5 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Next, stir in the chopped carrots, tomato wedges, and tomato paste, cooking everything together for 5 to 10 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness and soften.

Then add in shallot, and garlic, and sauté them at medium heat for 5 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.

Next, stir in the chopped carrots, tomato wedges, and tomato paste, cooking everything together for 5 to 10 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness and soften.

Step 5: Reintroduce Beef shanks and the rest of the ingredients

Place the seared beef shanks back into the pot alongside the sautéed mirepoix. Now, add the remaining ingredients to the mixture. This includes red wine, unsalted beef stock, and a blend of dried herbs. Use a spatula to mix well, cover, and set your pot at high heat and let it cook for three hours.

cooking all the aromatic and vegetables together for 5 to 10 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness and soften.

Make sure all the vegetable are covering the beef shanks.

Now, add the remaining ingredients to the mixture. This includes red wine

Add in a blend of dried herbs. Use a spatula to mix well, cover, and set your pot at high heat and let it cook for three hours.

Step 6: Stir in the remaining ingredients

Once the beef shanks have cooked for 3 hours, it is time to enhance the flavors further. Add in the sugar and Worcestershire sauce, stirring them into the pot. To thicken the red wine sauce, create a roux by mixing equal parts of the excess flour and water in a small bowl. Drizzle the roux into the pot and stir well. Cover and allow it to cook for one more hour, allowing all the delightful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Once the beef shanks have cooked for 3 hours, it is time to enhance the flavors further. Add in Worcestershire sauce, stirring them into the pot.

Once the beef shanks have cooked for 3 hours, it is time to enhance the flavors further. Add in the sugar and stirring them into the pot.

Cover and allow it to cook for one more hour, allowing all the delightful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Serve it immediately or the following day:

I recommend serving this dish the following day for a more intense flavor. After slow cooking, allow it to cool down, and refrigerate the pot. The fat will solidify, making it easy to remove the excess oil. On the day you plan to serve it, take it out a few hours before mealtime, scrape off the solidified excess fat with a spoon, and discard it. Reheat your beef shanks in the slow cooker for an additional hour, ensuring a less oily and even more delicious result. Though optional, this step enhances the overall taste and is definitely worth trying!

On the day you plan to serve it, take it out a few hours before mealtime, scrape off the solidified excess fat with a spoon, and discard it.

Reheat your beef shanks in the slow cooker for an additional hour, ensuring a less oily and even more delicious result. Though optional, this step enhances the overall taste and is definitely worth trying!

The final look of the plated slow cooked beef shanks served with mashed potatoes.

Tips and tricks for this recipe:

Opt for unsalted ingredients:

To control the salt level in the dish, use unsalted beef broth and butter. Since the beef shanks are already seasoned with salt, slow cooking intensifies the flavors, leading to an overly salty sauce if using salted ingredients.

Don’t splurge on wine:

There’s no need to splurge on expensive wine for this recipe. Since the alcohol evaporates during cooking, save your good wine for dinner and use an affordable option like Merlot from Whole Foods or a dedicated red cooking wine like Holland House, which works excellently in this dish.

Create hearty Side dishes:

To complement the richness of the beef shanks and red wine sauce, serve this dish with a hearty side like mashed potatoes, Roasted rainbow carrots, creamy polenta, or pasta. The side dish will soak up the delectable sauce and offer a satisfying combination that your guests will adore.

What to serve with this mouthwatering dish?

My Ultimate creamy Mashed potatoes on a white plate with a spoon

Restaurant-style Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Maple Syrup

Sous Vide Bourbon Vanilla Crème Brûlée

Reheating and leftover storage tips:

Refrigeration:

As the flavors meld and intensify, this dish only gets better with time. Store the remaining portions with your preferred sides in an airtight container, refrigerating them for no more than 3 to 4 days. This way, you can relish multiple delicious meals throughout the week.

Reheating:

To relish the lusciousness of your refrigerated beef shanks, effortlessly bring the flavors back to life by reheating them in a pot. Alternatively, you can use the convenience of a microwave and have your mouthwatering meal ready in just 2 to 3 minutes.

Freezing:

Should you wish to extend the enjoyment of this fantastic dish, freezing is an option. However, consuming frozen beef shanks within a few weeks is best to maintain their exquisite taste and texture.

FAQs about this recipe

Certainly! While I haven’t tried it, other recipe developers have successfully used chicken or vegetable stock in beef dishes. However, I prefer using beef broth because it complements the flavors of beef dishes better, imparting a richer taste.

This recipe is designed explicitly for beef shanks or other cuts of beef. Chicken breast is not recommended as the ingredients will not pair well with chicken. For the best results and flavor, use beef shanks in this recipe.

Browning the meat before slow cooking serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps to lock in the meat’s natural moisture, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Additionally, the caramelization process during browning enhances the dish’s overall flavor, creating a more complex and delicious taste profile.

Beef shanks can be found at various places and are accessible to everyone looking to try this delectable cut of meat. Local butcher shops, high-quality grocery stores, and membership-based wholesale clubs are excellent places to start your search.

2 plates of slow-cooked beef shanks with mashed potatoes and drizzle with red wine sauce.

In Conclusion

As our culinary journey ends, I’m confident that these succulent beef shanks, infused with the richness of red wine and aromatic herbs, will leave your guests in awe. Whether you’re preparing a comforting meal for loved ones or indulging in a moment of culinary bliss, this recipe embodies warmth and joy. As you savor each delectable bite, know that this dish holds a special place in my heart, and I sincerely hope it becomes a beloved staple in your home as well.

Bon appétit!

If this hearty and delicious slow-cooked beef shanks in red wine sauce recipe have left you wanting more, follow me on social media and my blog for an array of mouth-watering dishes. Join me on this culinary journey, stay updated with the latest recipes, and discover helpful cooking tips. Let’s continue our love for cooking together!