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Garlic Herb Beef Shanks in the Slow Cooker: Tender, Savory Meal

Slow cooker garlic herb beef shanks is a simple, comforting dish that shines when cooked low and slow. Beef shanks are an economical, flavor-packed cut that becomes tender and falling-apart juicy in the crockpot. This recipe adapts easily for the Instant Pot and can be made low-carb, paleo, or Whole30 compliant with minimal changes.

overhead shot of garlic herb beef shanks served over mashed cauliflower in a white bowl
Garlic Herb Beef Shanks

Table of Contents

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks

  • Beef shanks
  • Garlic
  • Beef broth (low-sodium)
  • Dried herbs and seasonings

collage of ingredients for beef shanks

How To Make Beef Shanks In The Crock-Pot

  1. Slow Cooker

    1. Pour broth into the slow cooker. Season the beef shanks with dried herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
    2. Optional: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shanks 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned (do in batches if needed). Transfer the seared shanks to the slow cooker.
    3. If you skip searing, simply place the seasoned shanks into the slow cooker.
    4. Add minced garlic on top of the meat.
    5. Cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours, until the meat shreds easily with a fork.

    Instant Pot

    1. Season shanks with salt, pepper, dried rosemary (or your preferred herb), garlic powder and onion powder.
    2. Select Sauté on the Instant Pot, add oil, and brown the shanks 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
    3. Add garlic and broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Return the shanks to the pot.
    4. Close the lid, seal the valve, and cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a 15-minute natural release, then release remaining pressure.

2 raw beef shanks on a wooden cutting board 2 raw, seaoned beef shanks on a wooden cutting board

What Are Beef Shanks?

Beef shank is a cut from the forearm and upper hind leg of the cow. It is a naturally tough, connective-tissue-rich cut that benefits from long, slow cooking. Properly cooked shanks become succulent, tender, and very flavorful—ideal for braises, stews, and slow-cooker meals.

overhead shot of seasoned, uncooked beef shanks in a black crockpot
before

What Type Of Herbs To Use

The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons dried herbs; rosemary is a great choice but you can swap in thyme, oregano, basil, or parsley depending on your preference. I use four garlic cloves, finely minced, but feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to taste.

overhead shot of cooked beef shanks in a black crockpot

Searing The Meat Beforehand

Searing is recommended for the Instant Pot to build flavor and prevent a stuck-on layer. For the slow cooker, browning the shanks first is optional—it adds color and depth but is not required for tender results.

overhead shot of garlic herb beef shanks served over mashed cauliflower in a white bowl

FAQs For Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks Recipe

  • Beef shanks are a tough cut—cook until the meat easily pulls apart with a fork. If it’s not tender, continue cooking and check again.
  • To make this recipe more keto-friendly, add butter or ghee on top of the shanks before cooking.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • Typical shank size used here was about 1 1/2 pounds each, but sizes vary—adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
  • Serve the shanks over mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or your favorite low-carb side.
  • This recipe works well in a 6-quart slow cooker or a standard Instant Pot.

Beef Recipes

  • Osso Buco

  • Korean Inspired Beef Short Ribs

  • Corned Beef

  • Brisket

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Shanks

overhead shot of garlic herb beef shanks served over mashed cauliflower in a white bowl

Slow cooker garlic herb beef shanks is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. The slow, gentle cooking turns an inexpensive cut into tender, flavor-packed meat. Make it in a crockpot or Instant Pot depending on your schedule and kitchen tools.

  • Author: Shannon Epstein
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef shanks
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef bone broth
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, or your choice)
  • 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for searing, optional)

Instructions

Slow Cooker

  1. Add broth and garlic to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  2. Season shanks with dried herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
  3. Optional: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear shanks 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  4. If not searing, add seasoned shanks directly to the slow cooker.
  5. Cook on HIGH 4–5 hours or LOW 8–10 hours, until the meat shreds easily.

Instant Pot

  1. Season shanks with salt, pepper, herbs, garlic powder and onion powder.
  2. Select Sauté, add oil, and brown shanks 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add garlic and broth, deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits, then return shanks to the pot.
  4. Close lid, seal valve, and cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then finish releasing any remaining pressure.

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