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Classic Osso Buco

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This classic Italian Osso Buco recipe features beef or veal shanks that slow simmered in a deliciously rich gravy until the meat becomes fork tender and practically melts in your mouth.  The preparation is relatively quick and easy and then it’s just a matter of waiting for it to cook.  And the wait is MORE than worth it!

For more authentic Italian classics be sure to try our Bolognese, Pasta alla Norma, Porchetta!

osso buco recipe authentic traditional italian beef stew veal shanks sauce gravy

What is Osso Buco?  

Also spelled ossocbuco, the name is Italian for “bone with a hole” (osso “bone”, buco “hole”), referring to the cut of meat used in this dish: cross-cut meat shank with a marrow hole at the center.  This classic Italian dish showcases what is a tough and typically less expensive cut of meat and transforms it into a mouthwateringly tender and flavorful meal.  Veal or beef shanks are braised and the marrow in the bone renders during the process, basting the meat with its juices and infusing the gravy with incredible flavor.  Like Beef Bourguignon is to France, Irish Stew is to Ireland, and Hungarian Goulash is to Hungary, osso buco represents the very best of Italian comfort food.

Osso buco is thought to have originated in the Lombardy region of Italy (think Milan) in the 19th century and but is served throughout Italy as a classic dish with regional differences in its preparation (e.g. some serve it with gremolata and some without; some include tomatoes while others don’t; some serve it with polenta while others serve it with mashed potatoes).

osso buco recipe authentic traditional italian beef shanks stew gravy best

The first time we had osso buco was on a trip to Italy a few years ago.  We took two weeks and toured Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria and Lazio.  It was at a quaint, cozy and perfectly wonderful osteria in Monteriggioni, Tuscany that we ordered osso buco for the first time.  And it couldn’t have been a better introduction to the dish.

osso buco recipe authentic traditional italian beef stew veal shanks sauce gravy

Nor could the walk through the medieval walled village of Monteriggioni have been the more perfect ending to our meal.

A few pictures from our walk through this charming Tuscan village….

monteriggioni italy daring gourmet
Monteriggioni Italy
Monteriggioni Italy
Monteriggioni Italy

What to Serve with Osso Buco

Osso buco is traditionally served with creamy polenta or saffron risotto (known as Risotto alla Milanese).  Other options include mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered pasta.

In addition, sautรฉed greens or grilled vegetables make an ideal side.  And of course some rustic, crusty bread to mop up all the juices is always welcome.

Can This Be Made In Advance?

Absolutely!  This is a perfect make-ahead dish because the flavor is even better the next day.  Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.  This dish also freezes well.

osso buco recipe authentic traditional italian beef stew veal shanks sauce gravy

Osso Buco Recipe

Let’s get started!

Pat the shanks dry with a paper towel and lightly dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.  Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or medium pot and brown the shanks on both sides and transfer to a plate.  Set aside.

Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until browned, then add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.

browning meat and onions

Add the carrots, celery, and garlic and cook another 3-4 minutes until softened.  Add the wine and boil until reduced by half.

Add the broth, seasonings, and tomato paste.

adding vegetables broth and seasonings

I’m using my favorite broth made by Aneto, a broth manufacturer outside Barcelona, Spain.  Several years ago we had the opportunity to tour their factory and witness the entire broth-making process from start to finish and have been loyal fans ever since.  They select only the freshest vegetables and chicken, wash and prepare them by hand, and then place them in gigantic pots to slow simmer for hours.   Real vegetables, chicken, sea salt, olive oil and nothing else:  absolutely ZERO fillers, preservatives, extracts, โ€œadded flavorsโ€, powders or anything of the sort.  Just real, whole ingredients that are prepared the same way you make it at home.  You can read more about or Aneto factory tour.   Their broths can be purchased in select stores across the U.S. or here on Amazon (the 6-pack is the best value).

aneto broth reviews

Return the browned shanks to the pot, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a very low simmer, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is fork tender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Remove and discard the bay leaf.

osso buco recipe authentic traditional italian beef stew veal shanks sauce gravy

Serve over creamy polenta, saffron risotto, or mashed potatoes and, if using, sprinkle with gremolata.

Enjoy!

osso buco recipe authentic traditional italian beef stew veal shanks sauce gravy

For more delicious Italian dishes be sure to try my:ย ย 

osso buco recipe authentic traditional italian beef stew veal shanks sauce gravy

Classic Osso Buco

The classic Italian dish, Osso Buco, featuring beef or veal shanks slow-simmered until fork tender in a deliciously rich gravy.
5 from 86 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Entree, Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 beef or veal shanks , about 1/2 pound each
  • 1/2 cup flour for dredging
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (I use avocado)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 pound pancetta (can substitute thick cut bacon) , diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion , finely diced
  • 1 carrot , diced
  • 1 celery rib , diced
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 cup dry white wine , e.g. pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay
  • 2 cups quality chicken broth (we use and recommend Aneto), can also used veal stock if you have access to it. Beef broth can also be used though chicken broth tastes more "elegant"
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Gremolata (optional):
  • zest of one lemon
  • 3 tablespoons finely minced parsley
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced

Instructions
 

  • Pat the shanks dry with a paper towel and lightly dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.ย  Heat the oil and butter in a Dutch oven or medium pot and brown the shanks on both sides and transfer to a plate.ย  Set aside.
    If making the gremolata, combine the ingredients in a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until browned, then add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the carrots, celery, and garlic and cook another 3-4 minutes until softened.ย  Add the wine and boil until reduced by half. Add the broth, seasonings, and tomato paste.
    Return the browned shanks to the pot, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a very low simmer, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is fork tender.ย  Add salt and pepper to taste.ย  Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  • Serve with creamy polenta or saffron risotto and, if using, sprinkle with gremolata. (See blog post for other serving recommendations.)

Nutrition

Serving: 1shankCalories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 29gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 933mgPotassium: 766mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2920IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Osso Buco, Ossobuco
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Hi, Iโ€™m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!

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Recipe Rating




5 from 86 votes (70 ratings without comment)

46 Comments

  1. Omg! I made this recipe tonight for my partner and I. it was amazing, we both really enjoyed it. The flavours were great and the meat was so tender. I did add more garlic to it because we love the flavour and simmered it closer to 2 hours. I will definitely be making this one again. Thank you for sharing!

  2. Iโ€™m doing this recipe in the crock pot but I started it a deep skillet. Browned the meat, sautรฉed the bacon and veggiesโ€ฆall the way through until adding the meat back in the skillet. This is the point that my meat was already โ€œrestingโ€ in the warm crockpot and after the final step of adding the last seasonings (including ๐Ÿ‹zest๐Ÿ’›) and simmering I added it into my crockpot to simmer on low for several hours. I want it falling off the bone and infused with all those yummy seasonings I worked so hard to add. I canโ€™t wait for my family to have this tonight! I will give a follow up reviewโฃ๏ธ

  3. This dish was fantastic! I followed the recipe using veal shanks and served with saffron risotto. The flavors came together beautifully!