I’ve always been a fan of traditional Italian cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes is osso bucco. This braised veal shank recipe originated in Milan and is typically served with a side of risotto or polenta. The slow cooker osso buco recipe I’m sharing today is a simplified version of the traditional dish, but still packs all the rich flavors and tender meat that make it so beloved.
When I make this recipe, my family devours it in minutes, and I love that it’s not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare. The key to making a great osso buco is to cook the veal shanks low and slow, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together. This slow cooker recipe achieves that same tender result without the need for constant monitoring or high heat.
The end result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. My kids love helping me prep the ingredients, especially when we get to browning the veal shanks in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. It’s a great way to teach them about cooking and involve them in meal prep.
As for me, I appreciate how this recipe allows me to have a hands-off dinner solution on busy weeknights or when we’re entertaining guests. The aroma of osso buco wafting from the slow cooker is unmistakable and always gets everyone excited about dinner time. In terms of health benefits, this recipe is relatively lean compared to other rich meat dishes, thanks to the use of veal shanks instead of beef or pork.
Of course, portion control is always key when it comes to indulgent recipes like this one. But overall, I find that osso buco makes an excellent addition to our family’s meal rotation, offering a satisfying twist on traditional comfort food.
Slow Cooker Osso Buco
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This slow cooker osso buco features tender braised veal shanks in a rich tomato and wine sauce. The low and slow cooking method yields fall-off-the-bone meat with a deeply flavorful broth.
1Pat the veal shanks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2Dredge each shank in flour, shaking off the excess.
3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4Sear the veal shanks for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
5Transfer the shanks to the slow cooker.
6In the same skillet, add the onion, carrots, and celery.
7Cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
8Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
10Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by half.
11Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
12Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour it over the veal shanks in the slow cooker.
13Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is very tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
14The sauce should be thick and aromatic.
15While the osso buco cooks, make the gremolata by combining the parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
16Carefully remove the veal shanks from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
17Discard the bay leaves.
18Spoon the sauce over the shanks and top with the gremolata. Serve immediately.
For a richer flavor, use bone-in veal shanks. You can substitute beef shanks if veal is unavailable. The gremolata adds a fresh contrast to the rich braised meat.
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Osso Buco Works
One of my favorite things about this slow cooker osso buco recipe is how well it stores – whether you’re refrigerating leftovers or freezing individual portions for later meals.
Reheating is also straightforward: simply transfer the cooked osso buco from the refrigerator or freezer back into its original pot (or a microwave-safe container) with some additional broth if needed and reheat over low heat until warmed through.
For serving ideas, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top of each serving – these add pops of color and freshness that elevate the dish from comforting home food to special occasion fare.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Osso Buco
What type of veal shanks should I use for this recipe?
For this slow cooker osso buco recipe, you’ll want to use veal shanks that are at least 1 1/2 pounds each and have a good layer of fat on them. This will ensure they stay tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Can I substitute beef or pork shanks for veal in this recipe?
While beef or pork shanks could work as a substitute, keep in mind that they will change the flavor profile and texture of the dish significantly. Veal is typically leaner than beef or pork, so you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
How long does it take to cook osso buco in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for osso buco in a slow cooker will depend on your personal preference for tenderness. If you prefer your veal shanks very tender, cook them on low for 8-10 hours. If you prefer them slightly less tender, cook them on high for 4-6 hours.
Can I make osso buco ahead of time?
Sure – simply refrigerate or freeze the cooked osso buco until you’re ready to serve it. When reheating, add some extra broth if necessary to prevent drying out.
What side dishes pair well with osso buco?
A classic pairing for osso buco is risotto or polenta – both are creamy and help soak up the rich sauce from the veal shanks.
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