Slow Cooker Osso Buco

Osso Buco, the iconic Milanese dish made with braised veal shanks, is traditionally a labor of love. But with the slow cooker, we can achieve the same deep, rich flavors with a fraction of the effort. Our Slow Cooker Osso Buco recipe delivers a soul-satisfying meal with melt-in-your-mouth meat, a velvety sauce, and luxurious marrow—all infused with the classic Italian aromatics and herbs.

What Is Osso Buco?

Osso Buco means “bone with a hole,” referring to the veal or beef shank cut that includes a marrow-filled bone. When cooked low and slow, the connective tissue and collagen break down, making the meat incredibly tender and succulent. The marrow inside the bone is a prized delicacy, adding an unmatched richness to the dish.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Osso Buco?

• Effortless cooking: Set it and forget it.
• Perfect texture: Slow heat ensures the meat becomes tender without drying out.
• Enhanced flavor: A long cook time allows the sauce to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients – What You’ll Need for Authentic Flavor

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cross-cut veal shanks (about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, or substitute with beef shanks)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup beef or veal stock
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing

For the Gremolata (optional but traditional):

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Osso Buco

Step 1: Season and Sear

1. Pat the shanks dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Lightly dust with flour on all sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear each shank until browned on all sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Set aside.

Why sear first? Browning locks in flavor and gives the sauce a deeper, richer base.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

1. In the same skillet, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic, then tomato paste, and cook another minute.
3. Pour in the white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, herbs, and stock.

Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

1. Place the seared shanks in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pour the prepared sauce and veggies over the top.
3. Add bay leaf and cover.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

• Low setting: 8–9 hours
• High setting: 4–5 hours

The meat is ready when it’s fall-off-the-bone tender and the marrow is soft.

Make the Gremolata – The Finishing Touch

Just before serving, mix together:

• Lemon zest
• Chopped parsley
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle this mixture over the plated Osso Buco for a zesty, fresh contrast that cuts through the richness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Slow Cooker Osso Buco with one of these classic sides:

• Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto)
• Creamy polenta
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce

Wine Pairings

• Red wine: Barolo, Chianti Classico, or Brunello di Montalcino
• White wine (if using veal): Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay

Tips for Success

• Use veal for a traditional version, or beef for a more budget-friendly cut.
• Don’t skip the gremolata. It elevates the dish from heavy to harmonious.
• Make ahead: Osso Buco tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
• Skim excess fat from the sauce before serving for a cleaner finish.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of stock to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g

Hearty, satisfying, and packed with protein and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with beef shanks instead of veal?

Yes. Beef shanks are a more economical option and still deliver rich flavor. The meat will be slightly bolder in taste.

What if I don’t have white wine?

Substitute with chicken or beef broth, or use a splash of vermouth or apple cider vinegar for acidity.

Can I skip the flour?

Yes, but the flour helps create a richer, thicker sauce. If gluten-free, use cornstarch or skip entirely.

Slow Cooker Osso Buco is the kind of dish that looks gourmet but feels like a hug in a bowl. With minimal hands-on time and deeply satisfying results, it’s the perfect dish to impress guests—or just spoil yourself.

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