The Most Tender Osso Buco Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Tender, succulent meat falls off the bone in this classic osso buco recipe that brings Italian culinary tradition right to your dinner table.

Slow-cooked veal shanks melt with rich, deep flavors that transport you straight to Milan.

The aromatic blend of herbs and vegetables creates a robust sauce that hugs each piece of meat with incredible depth.

Braising transforms these tough cuts into a luxurious meal that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother.

Perfectly paired with creamy risotto or polenta, this dish turns an ordinary evening into a remarkable dining experience.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this timeless, soul-warming classic that promises to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

FAQs

• What exactly is this Italian dish?

A hearty, traditional Osso Buco is a classic Milanese recipe featuring braised veal shanks slowly cooked in white wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs until the meat becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone.

• Why do I need to dredge the veal in flour?

Dredging the veal shanks in seasoned flour helps create a delicious golden crust that seals in moisture, adds texture, and helps thicken the sauce during the braising process.

• What makes the braising technique special for this recipe?

Braising is a slow-cooking method that transforms tough meat cuts into incredibly tender, flavorful dishes by cooking them at low temperatures in liquid for an extended period, allowing the connective tissues to break down gradually.

Why Classic Italian Comfort Is a Family Favorite

• Unlock Gourmet Simplicity: Transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Master Hearty Flavor Infusion: Slow braising technique develops rich, deep flavors through careful layering of ingredients and patient cooking process.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or impressive gatherings, this classic Italian dish guarantees satisfied smiles and clean plates.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personal tweaks like herb variations or wine selections, making it flexible for different taste preferences.

Italian Comfort Food: What You’ll Need

• Veal Shanks: Tender cuts of meat that become incredibly soft and flavorful when slow-braised.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the natural flavors of the meat and other ingredients.
• Dried Herbs, Tomato Paste: Provide depth and complexity to the overall sauce and braising liquid.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat the veal and help create a golden crust during searing.
• Olive Oil: Provides a base for searing and adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Red Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, releasing delicious browned bits.
• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, flavorful braising liquid for the meat.
• Canned Tomatoes: Adds acidity and creates a robust sauce for the veal.
• Vegetables (Onions, Carrots, Celery): Form a classic flavor base that adds sweetness and aromatic qualities to the braise.

• Gremolata: Fresh herb mixture that adds brightness and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Create Classic Italian Comfort at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect environment for slow cooking.

Step 2: Season the Flour

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the flour, creating a flavorful coating that will add depth to your dish.

Step 3: Coat the Veal

Gently roll the veal shanks in the seasoned flour, ensuring each piece is evenly and lightly covered.

Step 4: Heat the Cooking Vessel

Place a Dutch oven on the stove and pour in oil, heating until it starts to shimmer with anticipation.

Step 5: Sear the Meat

Carefully place the veal shanks into the hot oil, allowing them to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Cook each side for 4-6 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss chopped vegetables into the same pot, letting them dance and caramelize for 3-4 minutes until they develop a rich, deep color.

Step 7: Introduce Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 2 minutes to unlock its concentrated flavor and aroma.

Step 8: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in wine to lift all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot, creating a flavorful base.

Step 9: Build the Braising Liquid

• Chicken or beef stock
• Fresh herbs
• Seasonings

Stir to combine all the ingredients into a harmonious sauce.

Step 10: Slow Cook to Perfection

Return the veal shanks to the pot, cover, and let them braise for 2-2.5 hours until the meat becomes meltingly tender.

Step 11: Finish and Garnish

Plate the veal shanks, generously spooning the rich sauce over the top.

Sprinkle with fresh gremolata for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips for a Truly Comforting Italian Dish

• Select thick-cut veal shanks with plenty of marrow for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve golden crust without burning flour coating.
• Build complexity by caramelizing vegetables thoroughly before adding tomato paste and wine.
• Allow braised veal to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.
• Sprinkle fresh gremolata just before serving to add bright, zesty notes to the rich sauce.

Italian Comfort: Tasty Twists and Updates

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for dredging veal, ensuring crispy exterior while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Lamb Osso Buco Alternative: Swap veal shanks with lamb shanks for a richer, more intense flavor profile that maintains traditional braising technique.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute veal with large portobello mushroom steaks, using similar braising method and seasonings to create hearty plant-based meal.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium broth, reduce salt content, and increase herb quantities like rosemary and thyme to enhance natural flavor without compromising taste.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Italian Comfort

• Rustic Plate Pairing: Serve over creamy polenta or soft risotto to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a robust Italian red like Chianti Classico or Barolo to complement the deep, meaty flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or gremolata on top for a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the hearty sauce.
• Side Veggie Delight: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add color and nutrition to the plate.

How to Keep Italian Comfort Food Fresh

• Keep leftover osso buco in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers to preserve for 2-3 months without losing flavor.
• Gently warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 325F, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying and maintain the dish's rich, succulent texture.
• Let refrigerated osso buco come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before reheating to ensure even warming and preserve the delicate meat's integrity.

Osso Buco Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Milan’s hearty Osso Buco delivers rich, fall-apart beef braised in robust wine and aromatic vegetables, creating a classic Italian comfort dish. Succulent meat melts alongside creamy risotto, promising a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with each tender, flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 (8 ounces/226 grams) veal shanks

Vegetables:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6–8 garlic cloves

Pantry and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups dry red wine (Sangiovese/Barolo)
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 bunch Italian parsley
• 20–25 fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Gremolata for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a low and slow 325°F, creating the perfect environment for tenderizing tough meat.
2. Create a seasoned coating by mixing salt and pepper into the flour, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
3. Carefully coat each veal shank in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess to prevent clumping during cooking.
4. Heat oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches a light smoking point, preparing for a perfect sear.
5. Carefully place veal shanks in the hot oil, developing a rich golden crust by cooking 4-6 minutes on each side. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
6. Sauté vegetables in the same pot, allowing them to caramelize and develop deep, complex flavors for 3-4 minutes.
7. Introduce tomato paste, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to intensify its rich, concentrated flavor for 2 minutes.
8. Pour in whole tomatoes and splash of wine, using liquid to lift browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
9. Add aromatic herbs and rich stock, creating a robust braising liquid that will infuse the meat with incredible depth.
10. Return veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and braise in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender and falls off the bone.
11. Finish by garnishing with bright, zesty gremolata and serving the succulent meat with its luxurious sauce.

Notes

• Use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor profile.
• Choose high-quality, thick-cut veal shanks with marrow intact for richer, more intense taste and texture.
• Maintain consistent, gentle oven temperature to ensure meat becomes meltingly tender without drying out.
• Substitute veal with lamb or beef shanks for alternative protein options that work beautifully with this braising technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg