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.

Braised osso buco with fresh thyme in a green skillet.

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.

Beef shanks on a wooden cutting board, broth, mushrooms, fresh thyme, celery, carrots, red wine, tongs, garlic, onion, tomato paste and salt and pepper.

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

  • 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.
Braised beef shanks with fresh thyme in a green skillet with a blue and white tea towel.

How To Make 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!
Braised beef shanks with fresh thyme in a green skillet.

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.
Braised beef shanks with fresh thyme in a green skillet.

FAQs

what is the difference between beef shank and osso buco?

Osso buco is made from a beef shank. This beef shank comes from the lower leg of the cow.

what cut of meat is beef osso buco?

Osso buco is the shank or forearm portion of the cow. It is considered a tough piece of meat but after cooking it becomes soft and tender.

what is the best cooking method for shank?

The best way to cook shanks is to braise or slow cook them.

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?

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION

For this recipe I am using a Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser, 3.5 qt., color rosemary (color has been discontinued). Lodge 3.6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Oval Casserole With Lid is another highly recommended cast iron braiser that is a fraction of the price!

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classic braised Osso Buco
5 from 7 votes

Classic Braised Beef Shank Osso Buco

by Silvia Dunnirvine
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.
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total: 3 hours
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients 

  • 4 lb beef shank
  • 2 cups broth (beef, bone or vegetable)
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms chopped
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Pat dry beef shank then season with salt and pepper on all sides.
  • Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet or braiser that is oven safe. Brown beef shanks on both sides (about 10-12 minutes). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • To the hot skillet or braiser add in diced onions, carrots, celery, mushroom and garlic and sauté until vegetables are soften and fragrant (about 10-12 minutes).
  • Stir in tomato paste and deglaze the pan with wine. Allow wine to reduce until about half.
  • Add broth, bay leaves and fresh thyme. Also add the beef shanks back into the braiser. Snuggle the beef in the sauce. Cover
  • Cook at 350F degrees for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Flip beef about half way through.
  • Serve with fresh thyme and mashed potatoes or polenta for an authentic Italian meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 523mg | Potassium: 1044mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3950IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Keyword: Braised Osso Buco, Osso Buco Recipe, Slow Cooked Osso Buco
Course: Dinner/ Main Meals
Cuisine: Italian
Like this? Leave a comment below!
Classic Braised Beef Shank Osso Buco
braised osso buco

Hi! I’m Silvia.

My goal is to make cooking simple and enjoyable.

Garden in the Kitchen is full of easy and balanced recipes for busy families. Classics get a healthier twist with additions of veggies or alternative ingredients.

I hope my recipes will inspire you to cook more home meals and above all have fun in the kitchen!

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18 Comments

  1. This recipe screams comfort food with a gourmet twist. I was so happy with the way it turned out! Impressive! I served it with your creamy polenta recipe too and oh how yummy! Iโ€™m adding this to my recipe file. Thank you for sharing your love of cooking.

    1. Awe thanks so much, happy to hear! and thanks for taking the time to share your feedback, means a lot to me. xoxo

    1. That’s great Becky, I am super happy to hear that you loved my Rosso buco recipe!! Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback!

      1. Hi Janice, yes you can! Here are a few tips to make a successful osso buco on stove top: 1. cook on low heat so it doesnt stick to the bottom of the pan. 2. avoid opening the lid, as the steam inside the pot is what helps cook the meat tender. 3. you will likely need a bit more liquid, check half way thought to see if more liquid is needed. Hope this helps and please let me know how it comes out for you!

  2. I have not made this recipe yet. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
    Would I need to change anything in the recipe if I do?
    It sounds delicious.

    1. Hi Pam, you’ll do everything the same. If your slow cooker has the sautรฉ mode, everything can be done in the slow cooker, but if it does not, then please do the browning of the meat on a skillet over stovetop, then transfer to the slow cooker. I’d recommend you cook on high for 4-6 hours, more towards 6 hours. Hope this helps and please let me know how it comes out of you!

  3. I made this recipe for dinner tonight. It turned out so delicious and tender. I made a double batch. Put half in freezer. Really good. I made mashed potatoes, salad and grands biscuits. Big hit!! Loved it!

    1. Amazing!! I am so happy that you liked my osso buco recipe. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback!