Braised Beef Shank with Bell Peppers and Tomatoes

Name: Braised Beef Shank with Bell Peppers and Tomatoes
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Brésilienne
Ingredients: 1 large beef shank (about 1.2 kg / 2.6 lb); 2 ripe tomatoes, diced; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 beef bouillon cube; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp annatto (achiote) powder; 1 sweet chili pepper (ají dulce or mild fresh chili); 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 liter warm water (add more as needed during cooking)

By Marie Lefebvre · Updated October 21, 2026

Meltingly tender beef shank pressure-cooked in a rich, spiced broth with colorful bell peppers and ripe tomatoes. This hearty, comforting dish draws on Brazilian flavors and comes together effortlessly for a satisfying family dinner. Serve it over fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.

Prep⏱️ 45 min

Servings👥 8 servings

Difficulty📊 Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

8 servings

1 large beef shank (about 1.2 kg / 2.6 lb)
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 beef bouillon cube
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp annatto (achiote) powder
1 sweet chili pepper (ají dulce or mild fresh chili)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 liter warm water (add more as needed during cooking)

🛍️ Recommended tools

🥩Poêle fonteSee on Amazon →🌡️Thermomètre sondeSee on Amazon →🔪Couteau de chefSee on Amazon →

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Directions

1
Season the beef shank all over with garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and annatto powder. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
2
In a pressure cooker, sear the shank over high heat with a drizzle of oil until deeply browned on all sides.
3
Add the tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, sweet chili, tomato paste, and crumbled bouillon cube. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
4
Pour in the warm water, seal the pressure cooker, and cook under pressure for 30 minutes over medium heat.
5
Carefully release the pressure and check the meat — it should fall apart when prodded with a fork. If not, add a little more water and cook for another 10 minutes.
6
Adjust seasoning and serve hot over steamed white rice.