These Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks are the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a cold day. Beef shanks become meltingly tender with hours in the crockpot, infused with garlic and herbs until they’re fall-apart perfect. This is my go-to recipe for an easy, comforting dinner that smells incredible all day and tastes even better the next.
This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks Recipe
I didn’t grow up eating beef shanks much, but the first time I tried making them in the slow cooker, I was hooked. They’re one of those humble cuts that transform with patience. The low-and-slow method breaks them down into the most tender, succulent bites. I love this dish for busy days when I want dinner ready without fuss. It’s become one of those “company’s coming” meals in my house because it looks impressive but is so simple to pull off.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks
Beef Shanks – These are tough cuts with lots of connective tissue that become soft and juicy after slow cooking. I usually choose smaller shanks around 1 to 1.5 pounds each so they fit well in my slow cooker.
Garlic – I go generous with garlic, at least four cloves. It mellows and sweetens as it cooks, adding amazing depth.
Beef Broth – This makes the flavorful braising liquid. I use homemade if I have it, but boxed is fine.
Dried Herbs & Seasonings – I usually reach for rosemary, but thyme, oregano, basil, or whatever you love works. This is the flexible part—just use your favorite dried herbs and make it your own.
How To Make Beef Shanks In The Crock-Pot
Slow Cooker Method:
Pour broth into the slow cooker.
Season beef shanks generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
Optional: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear shanks 2-3 minutes per side for extra flavor. This is my preferred method when I have time.
Place seasoned beef shanks in the slow cooker.
Scatter garlic cloves on top.
Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours until fork-tender.
Instant Pot Method:
Season shanks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.
Turn on sauté mode, add oil, and sear shanks 2-3 minutes per side in batches.
Remove beef and set aside.
Add garlic and broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
Return shanks to the pot.
Seal and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 15 minutes before manually releasing the rest.
What Are Beef Shanks?
Beef shank comes from the cow’s forearm and upper hind leg. It’s a tough cut that shines when cooked low and slow, turning tender and rich with a deep, beefy flavor. I like buying it because it’s often more affordable than other cuts but tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant if you treat it right.
What Type Of Herbs To Use
I tend to use rosemary because it pairs so well with beef, but this recipe is flexible. Swap in thyme, oregano, basil, parsley—whatever you have on hand. I want this dish to feel easy, not fussy. Same goes for garlic. I use at least four cloves, but you can dial it up or down based on your taste. I love that you can adjust it every time depending on your mood or what’s in the pantry.
Searing The Meat Beforehand
Searing isn’t required for the slow cooker, but I’ll say it’s worth it. A quick sear in a hot pan adds gorgeous color and builds flavor that goes right into the broth. That said, I’ve made this plenty of times by tossing the seasoned meat straight in when I’m short on time or don’t want to wash another pan. It still comes out delicious, so don’t stress if you skip it.
FAQs For Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks Recipe
How do I know when it’s done?
When it shreds easily with a fork. If it’s still tough, keep cooking—it only gets better with more time.
Can I make it more keto-friendly?
Yes! Add a pat of butter or ghee on top before cooking for extra richness.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It reheats well for easy meals.
How big were the shanks you used?
About 1.5 pounds each, which fits nicely in my 6-quart slow cooker.
What do you serve them with?
I love them over mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. The rich sauce is perfect for soaking into something creamy and comforting.
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks
These Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks are the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a cold day.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef shanks
- 2 cups low-sodium beef bone broth
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried herbs
- 2 teaspoons salt (or more)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Pour the broth and minced garlic into the slow cooker and give it a quick stir to combine.
- Season the beef shanks generously with dried herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- If you'd like to add more flavor, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. You may need to do this in batches. Once done, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- If skipping the sear, simply place the seasoned beef shanks directly into the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender.
- Season the beef shanks with salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
- Once hot, add oil and sear the beef shanks for 2 to 3 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary.
- Remove and set aside.Turn off the sauté function. Add the garlic and broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to deglaze.Return the beef shanks to the Instant Pot.Secure the lid and seal the valve.
- Set to high pressure and cook for 35 minutes. Once the cook time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 804Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 276mgSodium 1383mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 109g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
