Name: Slow Cooker Osso Buco
Ingredients: 4 veal or beef shanks (about 1.2 kg); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine (optional); 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes; 1 cup beef or chicken broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 clove garlic, minced

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If you’re looking for a meal that feels fancy but requires minimal effort, Slow Cooker Osso Buco is the answer. This Italian classic features tender, fall-off-the-bone veal shanks simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato and wine sauce. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with the most incredible aroma while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: A gourmet dish made easy with the help of a slow cooker.
Rich and Flavorful: The long, slow cooking process enhances every ingredient.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress your guests without the stress.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead, and the flavors get even better.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need (the full ingredient list is below):

Veal shanks (or beef shanks as a substitute)
Carrots, celery, and onions for the base
Garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary
Dry white wine
Crushed tomatoes
Beef or chicken stock

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Shanks

Pat the veal shanks dry, season with salt and pepper, and dust lightly with flour. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and sear the shanks until golden brown on both sides. This step locks in the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In the same skillet, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom (that’s pure flavor!). Let it reduce slightly, then pour it into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Add the crushed tomatoes, stock, thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker. Nestle the seared shanks into the sauce, ensuring they’re mostly submerged.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the osso buco over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or risotto. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or gremolata for a burst of freshness.

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you don’t have veal, beef shanks work just as well.
Searing the shanks before slow cooking adds depth to the dish—don’t skip this step!
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to let it reduce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use red wine instead of white for a deeper, richer flavor.
Swap thyme and rosemary for sage or bay leaves if that’s what you have on hand.
For a lighter dish, serve with roasted vegetables instead of a starch.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Slow Cooker Osso Buco pairs beautifully with a robust red wine like Chianti or Barolo. For sides, creamy polenta, saffron risotto, or even crusty bread are perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Osso buco freezes well too—just store it (sauce and all) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken or pork instead of veal?
Yes! Chicken thighs or pork shanks can be great alternatives, though the flavor will differ slightly.

2. Do I need to sear the meat?
It’s not mandatory, but it adds a depth of flavor that’s worth the extra step.

3. Can I make this without wine?
Sure! Replace the wine with extra stock and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Osso Buco is a dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day—but only you’ll know how easy it really was! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to impress. Let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear!

Slow Cooker Osso Buco

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Author: Emily

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Description

A hearty Italian classic where veal or beef shanks are slow-cooked with vegetables and wine, resulting in tender meat and a flavorful sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Shanks:
1. Pat the veal or beef shanks dry with paper towels.
2. Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each shank in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Sear the Shanks:
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Sear the shanks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
3. Transfer the browned shanks to the slow cooker.
Sauté the Vegetables:
1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Deglaze the Pan:
1. Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Transfer to Slow Cooker:
1. Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the shanks in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Stir gently to combine.
Cook:
1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Prepare the Gremolata (Optional):
1. In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
2. Mix well and set aside.
Serve:
1. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the slow cooker.
2. Serve the osso buco hot, topped with a sprinkle of gremolata if desired.
3. Pair with risotto, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, remove the shanks after cooking and set the slow cooker to high. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to reduce.
The gremolata adds a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the rich meat and sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 shank with sauce
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g