Beef Shanks
Tender beef shanks slow-cooked with savory tomato and onion flavors, creating a hearty dish perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 3 beef shanks on the bottom of the crock-pot.
- Pour the onion soup mix and half of the tomato sauce over the beef shanks.
- Add the remaining beef shanks, the rest of the tomato sauce, and the condensed beef broth.
- Cook on low heat for approximately 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can include a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. For a variation, substitute the onion soup with a packet of ranch dressing mix for a different flavor profile. This recipe is a great example of hearty American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef shanks over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad complements the richness of the dish. This meal pairs beautifully with Meal In A Bowl Stew for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the beef shanks to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain even heating. This ensures the flavors remain intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Shanks contains roughly 110 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while beef shanks are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with beef chuck or brisket. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since these cuts may differ in cooking time and fat content.
What can I do if I don’t have onion soup mix?
If you don't have onion soup mix, you can create a substitute by mixing dehydrated onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. This homemade mix will still provide the savory flavor needed for the dish.
Is it possible to cook this dish in an oven instead of a crock-pot?
Absolutely! You can place the ingredients in a covered Dutch oven and cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Just check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).