When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, nothing beats a Beef Shank Stew with Rich Gravy.

This recipe brings together tender beef shanks, slow-simmered vegetables, and a velvety gravy that’s packed with flavor.

It’s the perfect dish for cozy family dinners, weekend gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

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Why Choose Beef Shank?

Beef shank is one of the most flavorful cuts of beef. Since it comes from the leg portion of the cow, it’s naturally tough with lots of connective tissue.

But when cooked low and slow, the meat becomes fall-apart tender, and the marrow from the bone enriches the stew with an incredible depth of flavor.

The result? A melt-in-your-mouth stew with gravy so delicious you’ll want to mop it up with crusty bread.

Also Check: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Mongolian Sauce

Beef Shank Stew Recipe with Rich Gravy

This Beef Shank Stew Recipe with Rich Gravy is a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef, vegetables, and a flavorful, velvety gravy.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 20

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 –3 pounds beef shanks bone-in for extra flavor
3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 large onion chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
3 carrots sliced
3 celery stalks chopped
2 potatoes cut into chunks
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup red wine optional
4 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat beef shanks dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return beef shanks to the pot. Add beef broth, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 2–3 hours until beef is fork-tender.
Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.

Notes

Bone-in beef shanks add extra richness to the gravy.
For a thicker gravy, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef Shanks

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the beef shanks dry with a paper towel, season generously with salt and pepper, and sear each side until golden brown.

This step locks in flavor and creates a delicious base for the gravy. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes to build depth in the gravy.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Build the Stew

Return the beef shanks to the pot, then add beef broth, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 2–3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy has thickened beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper.

Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips for the Best Beef Shank Stew

Low and Slow Cooking: Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer you cook, the more tender and flavorful the stew becomes.
Bone-In Shanks: Keep the bone in the stew—it adds collagen and marrow that enrich the gravy.
Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

What to Serve with Beef Shank Stew

Pair this rich stew with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or warm crusty bread.

A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad balances the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Shank Stew Recipe with Rich Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

It’s hearty, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re cooking it for Sunday dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this stew will quickly become a family favorite.