Smoky Southwest Beef Shanks & Black Bean Stew
This hearty Smoky Southwest Beef Shanks & Black Bean Stew is a comforting dish with rich flavors inspired by Southwestern cuisine. Infused with spices and subtle heat from chipotle, this stew brings warmth and depth to your table. Ideal for meal prepping, the flavors deepen when reheated, making it perfect for leftovers. Not only does it freeze beautifully for future meals, but it also ticks all the boxes for a nourishing dish that will satisfy your family and friends. Serve with a squeeze of fresh key lime juice for an exciting flavor twist.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
1 lb (sorted and washed)
yellow onions
2 (coarsely chopped)
chopped tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
diced green anaheim chilies
1 (7 ounce) can
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
beef broth
2 cups (homemade is best)
cumin
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
smoked chipotle chile in adobo
1 (finely minced)
beef shanks
3-4 lbs (trimmed of fat)
masa harina
1/4 cup (or yellow cornmeal if unavailable)
key limes
4 (juice and zest)
hominy
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the black beans in ample water overnight, then drain and rinse them before use.
2
In a large crockpot, combine the chopped onions, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chopped green chilies, minced garlic, beef broth, cumin, Mexican oregano, kosher salt, and minced chipotle chili. Stir to mix well.
3
Submerge the beef shanks beneath the bean and tomato mixture, ensuring they are covered. This helps to tenderize the meat as it cooks.
4
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Cook for 9-10 hours until the beef is tender and the beans are soft.
5
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef shanks and place them on a cooling rack. Allow to cool slightly.
6
Skim off any excess fat from the top of the stew for a cleaner flavor.
7
Raise the crockpot heat to high. Stir in the masa harina or cornmeal to thicken the stew, mixing well to avoid lumps.
8
Add the drained hominy to the stew, stirring evenly.
9
Trim the meat from the cooled beef shanks, cutting into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the pot.
10
Cook for an additional 20 minutes on high to allow the flavors to meld.
11
Once finished, let the stew cool to room temperature. Chill it in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor.
12
When ready to serve, reheat the stew and stir in a sprinkle of key lime zest and a squeeze of key lime juice into each bowl before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this stew?
The recipe uses 3-4 lbs of beef shanks, trimmed of fat, which become tender through long, slow cooking.
How should the black beans be prepared before cooking?
The black beans should be sorted, washed, and soaked in ample water overnight, then drained and rinsed before use.
What are the primary flavor influences of this dish?
The dish features rich flavors inspired by Southwestern cuisine, including cumin, Mexican oregano, and chipotle.
How long does the stew need to cook in the crockpot?
The stew cooks on low heat for 9 to 10 hours until the beef is tender and the beans are soft.
What is the recommended way to thicken the stew?
Stir in 1/4 cup of masa harina or yellow cornmeal into the crockpot after raising the heat to high.
Can I use yellow cornmeal instead of masa harina?
Yes, the recipe suggests yellow cornmeal as a suitable substitute if masa harina is unavailable.
When should the hominy be added to the stew?
The drained and rinsed hominy is added toward the end of the process, after the initial 9-10 hour cook and once the stew has been thickened.
Is it necessary to chill the stew overnight?
While not strictly required for safety, chilling the stew in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to deepen for the best taste.
How are the key limes used in this recipe?
The zest and juice of 4 key limes are stirred into each bowl just before serving to provide a fresh flavor twist.
How do you handle the beef shanks after they have finished cooking?
Remove them from the pot, let them cool slightly on a rack, trim the meat into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the pot.
What type of chilies are included in this stew?
The recipe calls for a 7-ounce can of diced green Anaheim chilies and one finely minced smoked chipotle chili in adobo.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prepping as the flavors improve when reheated and it freezes beautifully.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, the 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes should be added to the crockpot with their juice.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of beef broth, and homemade broth is recommended for the best flavor.
How many onions are needed and how should they be cut?
You will need 2 yellow onions, which should be coarsely chopped.
What is the specific type of oregano used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of Mexican oregano.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 6 garlic cloves, minced.
What is the quantity of cumin used?
One tablespoon of freshly ground cumin is used to season the stew.
Should I skim the fat from the stew?
Yes, after removing the beef shanks, you should skim off any excess fat from the top for a cleaner flavor.
What should I do to ensure the beef shanks become tender?
Ensure the shanks are fully submerged beneath the bean and tomato mixture during the slow cooking process.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How long is the final simmer after returning the meat to the pot?
Once the meat and hominy are added back, cook the stew for an additional 20 minutes on high heat.
Can I use regular limes if I don't have key limes?
While key limes provide a specific flavor twist, regular limes can be used as a substitute for the juice and zest.
What is the size of the hominy can?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of hominy.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has subtle heat from the chipotle chili and green chilies, providing warmth and depth without being overwhelmingly hot.
Can this stew be frozen?
Yes, this stew freezes beautifully, making it perfect for future meals.
When do I add the masa harina?
Add it after the initial 9-10 hour cook time, once you have removed the meat and raised the crockpot heat to high.
Do I need to mix the ingredients in the crockpot?
Yes, stir the onions, tomatoes, chilies, garlic, broth, and spices well before adding the beef shanks.
What is the weight of the dried black beans?
The recipe requires 1 lb of dried black beans.
What is the texture of the finished stew?
It is a hearty, thick stew containing tender beef pieces, soft beans, and hominy.