Beef Shanks in a Bag - Justin Wilson Looking Back

Tender beef shanks slow-baked with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a wine-spiked Cajun sauce—sealed in a cooking bag to lock in every bit of bold, savory flavor.

Justin Wilson knew how to turn a simple cut of meat into something special, and this Beef Shanks in a Bag recipe is a perfect example. Seasoned with salt, cayenne, and garlic, then smothered in a blend of wine, Rotel, and bold sauces, these beef shanks are baked low and slow with hearty vegetables—all sealed in a cooking bag to keep them juicy and tender.

Justin Wilson’s Beef Shanks in a Bag is an easy, one-pan meal that brings flavor and comfort. I gar-on-tee your kitchen’s gonna smell like heaven!

———

justin wilson beef shanks in a bag 21965537-g.jpg

Justin Wilson’s Beef Shanks in a Bag

Justin Wilson’s Beef Shanks in a Bag

Tender beef shanks slow-bake with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a wine-spiked Cajun sauce, sealed in a cooking bag to lock in every bit of bold, savory flavor.

SERVINGS: 6-8 people

PREP TIME: 30 minutes

COOK TIME: 2 hours

TOTAL TIME: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 large turkey-size cooking bag
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • Salt
  • Ground cayenne pepper
  • 6 beef shank bones, cut 2.5"- 3" thick
  • 12 whole medium carrots
  • 2 lbs. potatoes, cut in half
  • 6 small onions, cut in half
  • 4 whole cloves of garlic
  • 1 - 10 oz. can of Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • 1 Tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon of bitters
  • 2 cups of Sauterne wine or dry white wine

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Grease the baking pan. Shake the flour in a turkey bag and coat the sides well, and place the bag in the pan.
  3. Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper, to taste, and place them in the bag. Evenly distribute the carrots, onions, and potatoes over and around the meat.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the can of Rotel with the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bitters, and wine. Mix well, and pour over the shanks and vegetables.
  5. Tie the bag, and punch 12 holes in the top with a fork.
  6. Bake in the oven for 2 hours.

———

Justin Wilson’s videos are brought to you by Lehman’s On the Square.

Related Stories
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
USMEF’s Jay Theiler discusses his leadership role in representing U.S. beef and pork and provides an update on this week’s conference in Indianapolis.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
“Small Town, Big Deal” follows hosts Rodney Miller and Jann Carl across the country as they scour rural America for the best stories of faith, hope, patriotism, and good common sense that our small towns and farming communities have to offer.
“Somewhere West of Wall Street” is simply the most recent addition to the long list of noteworthy accomplishments by the Renaissance cowboy, singer-songwriter, poet, author, and show host Red Steagall. Join Red and his quarter horse, Grey Dog, as they explore the people, places, and stories of the American West.
“Today’s Wild West” is a documentary-style, half-hour TV seres on all-things-Western: horseback adventures, cattle drives, dude ranches, Western art, artisans, music, movies, historic sites, Native American culture and more.
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.
Strong rural traditions, religion, cowboy boots, and technology collide in “Cowboy Church” — and taking part is as easy as turning on the TV!