Name: Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Ingredients: ½ pound baby carrots; 2 medium onions (roughly chopped); 1 small cabbage (about 2 pounds, cored and cut into 8 wedges); 7 garlic cloves (peeled and smashed); 2 Turkish bay leaves; 2 center-cut grass fed beef shanks (about 2-inches thick); Diamond Crystal kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 15-ounce can of organic diced tomatoes (drained); 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos

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Every winter, when the chill sets in and the days grow shorter, I find myself craving something warm and hearty like this Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew. There’s just something about the aroma wafting through the house as it simmers away in the slow cooker that makes it feel like home. I remember the first time I prepared this dish; I was looking for a way to warm up after a long day outside. I stumbled upon some beautiful grass-fed beef shanks and decided to combine them with fresh cabbage and colorful baby carrots. The result was a comforting bowl of stew that not only satisfied my hunger but also my soul.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
24 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
9 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
16 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Slow Cooker, Peeler, Cutting Board

What We Adore About This Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew

Comfort in Every Bite

This Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for cold winter nights. Each bite brings together tender pieces of beef that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth, complemented by the earthy flavors of cabbage and sweet baby carrots. It’s like getting a warm hug from the inside out!

Easy Preparation

What I love most about this stew is how easy it is to prepare. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Imagine coming home after a busy day to the enticing smell of dinner ready and waiting for you. It’s a game changer for meal prep!

Nutritious and Wholesome

With wholesome ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and beef, this stew not only warms you up but also nourishes your body. The flavors meld beautifully, making each bowl a treasure trove of deliciousness that’s packed with nutrients.

A Family Favorite

This stew has quickly become a family favorite in our household. My kids love the tender beef and the sweet carrots, while I appreciate how easy it is to make and how it brings everyone together around the table. It’s an experience that creates lasting memories.

Versatile Dish

The beauty of the Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew is its versatility. You can easily make this dish your own by adding other seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Whether it’s potatoes, parsnips, or even a splash of your favorite herbs, the possibilities are endless!

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew

Choosing the right ingredients is crucial for creating a flavorful stew. In this recipe, every component plays a vital role, bringing its own unique texture and taste to the dish. The star of the show is, of course, the grass-fed beef shanks, which provide richness and depth. The cabbage and carrots not only add color but also contribute a healthy crunch that balances the dish beautifully.

½ pound baby carrots – These sweet little gems add a delightful bite and color.
2 medium onions roughly chopped – Onions are a classic base for any stew, bringing flavor and aroma.
1 small cabbage about 2 pounds, cored and cut into 8 wedges – Cabbage adds bulk and nutrition, cooking down to a tender delight.
7 garlic cloves peeled and smashed – Garlic infuses the stew with a wonderful savory depth.
2 Turkish bay leaves – Bay leaves impart a subtle flavor that enhances the overall taste.
2 center-cut grass fed beef shanks about 2-inches thick – The main protein, these shanks become wonderfully tender in the slow cooker.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt – Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a touch of heat that complements the stew.
1 15-ounce can of organic diced tomatoes drained – Tomatoflavors balance the stew’s richness.
1 cup chicken broth – Provides a savory base for the stew.
2 tablespoons coconut aminos – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth.

Putting Together Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew

Whenever I prepare this Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew, I can’t help but feel excited about the delicious meal ahead. The method is straightforward, inviting you to dive into the process without a hassle. Let’s get started!

Begin by placing the baby carrots and onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer sets the foundation for the stew. The carrots will sweeten as they cook while the onions release their aromatic flavors.
Next, layer the cabbage wedges atop the carrots and onions. Arrange them nicely, ensuring they cover the bottom layer.
Now, it’s time to add the garlic cloves and bay leaves. Toss them on top of the cabbage. These ingredients will infuse the dish with robust flavors as they cook.
Take your beef shanks and season them generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy; the seasoning is key to enhancing the meat’s natural flavors. You want to make sure every bite is delicious!
Carefully place the seasoned beef shanks on top of the cabbage. This positioning allows the juices to drip down, enriching the layers beneath.
Pour the drained diced tomatoes over the top of everything, followed by the chicken broth. The tomatoes will add acidity, balancing the richness of the beef.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let everything simmer away for about 9 hours. This low and slow method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the beef will become fork-tender.
As the cooking time nears its end, you’ll notice the incredible aroma filling your kitchen. When ready, the beef shanks should be easily pulled from the bone, and the marrow will be perfectly cooked.
Carefully remove the bones from the pot and plate them; the marrow is a treat all on its own. Shred the beef and return it to the stew, tasting for seasoning.
If you feel the stew is a bit sweet, add some coconut aminos for balance. Give it a final stir and enjoy the deliciousness you’ve created!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Tip: Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop more profoundly, so resist the urge to check too often.
Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality grass-fed beef for the best flavor and nutrition.
Layering: Always layer the vegetables wisely; starting with sturdier vegetables on the bottom helps them cook evenly.
Seasoning: Adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking for the best results.

Recipe Notes about Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew

Here are some extra notes to enhance your experience with this dish:

Storage: This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Pairing: Serve this stew with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips for additional flavor and nutrition.
Serving Size: This recipe serves six, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Pairing Suggestions for Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew

When it comes to serving this Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew, think of accompaniments that enhance its hearty nature.

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Green Salad: A light salad with citrus dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness.
Rice: Serve it with fluffy rice to absorb the savory flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with seasonal roasted vegetables for an added texture and nutrition boost.
Occasions: This stew is ideal for a cozy family dinner, chilly days, or even gatherings with friends.
Storage Tips: Remember to refrigerate any leftovers promptly; it makes for a fantastic next-day lunch.

FAQ

The best cut of beef for making Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew is definitely the beef shank. The reason for this is that the shank comes from the leg of the animal, which means it has a lot of connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during the slow cooking process. This results in tender, flavorful meat that practically falls off the bone. If you can’t find beef shanks, other cuts like chuck roast can also work, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same.

Absolutely! One of the best things about making Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew is its versatility. You can definitely add other vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, celery, or even parsnips. Just remember that different vegetables will have varying cooking times, so make sure to adjust your chopping size or add them in stages if you want them all perfectly cooked. This is your stew, so feel free to get creative!

Storing leftovers from your Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew is easy! Just let the stew cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you’ll always have a comforting meal ready to go!

When serving Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch to the meal. You could also serve it over rice or with mashed potatoes for a hearty option. This stew is satisfying on its own, but these sides can elevate your meal experience!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Grass Fed Beef Shanks Cabbage Stew is truly a reflection of comfort food at its best. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it warms the soul on chilly days. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next cozy dinner, and I promise it will become a family favorite.