Classic Braised Beef Shank Osso Buco

Braised and slow-cooked beef shanks simmer along with mixture of flavorful broth, red wine, and an assortment of vegetables and herbs for the ultimate Classic Braised Beef Shank Osso Buco.

Serve these braised beef shanks over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes or rice.

If you’ve never made make osso buco at home, you’ll be glad to know it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. This hearty and comforting Italian dish of slow braised osso buco comes together with a few minutes of prep and then simmers in the oven for a few hours. The result is a truly unique dish that’s great for a comforting weeknight meal or ideal for your next dinner party.

What is osso buco?

Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish often made with veal though beef is also used. Osso buco means “bone with a hole” as the cross-cut veal or beef shanks that are used have a hole in the middle. Because the meat is cross-cut, the bone marrow seeps into the cooking liquid adding a whole new dimension of flavor.

The veal or beef shanks are browned and then cooked slowly along with vegetables, wine and broth. The result is a tender and flavorful dish with a rich sauce served over mashed potatoes or polenta.

Though this may sound a bit fancy and something you’d order in a restaurant, this recipe makes it easy for you to prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Of Braised Beef

Hearty: This dish is absolutely one of the heartiest dishes you’ll eat.

Easy: With just a few minutes of prep, you end up with a rich and satisfying meal.

Tender: Slow braised osso buco results in soft and tender meat that will melt in your mouth.

Versatile: Change up the vegetables, use beef or lamb, and serve with potatoes, polenta, or even with risotto.

Ingredients For Braised Beef Osso Buco

• Beef shank -Though sometimes made with veal, this recipe is for braised beef shank.
• Broth – Any kind of broth will work; beef, bone or vegetable. If using store bought, look for low sodium so you can adjust the amount of salt to your preference.
• Carrots – Fresh diced carrots add some color and crunch.
• Celery – Celery, diced, also add some texture and flavor.
• Mushrooms – Chopped fresh mushrooms add a umami taste.
• Onion – Any type of onion, diced, will work.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is best but jarred will also work.
• Tomato paste – Tomato paste thickens up the dish and adds a touch of tomato taste.
• Red wine – Any type of red wine will add moisture and complement the other flavors well.
• Bay leaves – A few bay leaves enhance the flavor.
• Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is great for searing the meat and sauteing the vegetables but any type of oil will work.
• Fresh thyme – Fresh thyme adds the finishing touch.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Add salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make This Braised Osso Buco Recipe

• Step 1: Pat the beef shank with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper on all sides.
• Step 2: In a large cast iron skillet or braiser that is oven-safe, heat the oil and brown beef shanks on both sides. Remove the braised beef shanks and place them on a plate.
• Step 3: Next sauté the diced onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and garlic in the skillet until they are soft and fragrant.
• Step 4: Stir in tomato paste and deglaze the pan with wine, allowing it to reduce to half.
• Step 5: Stir in broth and add bay leaves and fresh thyme. Place the beef shanks back into the braiser and snuggle the beef in the sauce.
• Step 6: Cover the skillet and cook at 350F degrees for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, making sure to flip the beef about half way through.
• Step 7: Serve with fresh thyme and mashed potatoes or polenta for an authentic Italian meal!

Tips and Variations For This Osso Buco Recipe

• Change up the meat: Instead of beef shanks, use veal.
• Use different vegetables: Try leeks instead of the onion, throw in parsnips instead of carrots or mix in some diced potatoes.
• Make it alcohol-free: Use more broth or pick up some cranberry or grape juice.
• Crushed tomatoes: If you don’t have any tomato paste on hand, use crushed tomatoes instead.

FAQs

Make ahead and storage

This braised osso bucco in red wine is perfect to get off your to-do list. You can easily prep it during your meal prep session and reheat it when you want to serve it. Store osso buco in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat over the stove or in the microwave.

Leftovers of braised osso buco red wine can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat as you wish.

Looking for more recipes?

• Slow Cooked Oven Roasted Beef Brisket
• Classic Prime Rib Roast
• Classic Pot Roast
• Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder