Tender Fall-Apart Slow Cooker Osso Buco Recipe

My culinary adventure with slow cooker osso buco began during a chilly winter weekend when comfort demanded something extraordinary.

Hearty Italian traditions merged perfectly with modern kitchen convenience.

Tender veal shanks promise a mouthwatering experience that melts right into delicate sauce layers.

Complex flavors develop slowly, transforming humble ingredients into restaurant-quality magic.

Rich braising techniques create incredible depth without demanding constant attention.

Kitchen magic happens when minimal effort produces maximum deliciousness.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this classic Italian masterpiece.

Osso Buco That Slow Cooks Into Pure Comfort

Slow Cooker Magic: Unlock Effortless Gourmet Dining

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Spend just 20 minutes prepping ingredients, then let the slow cooker transform tough veal shanks into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat without constant monitoring.
• Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Simply sear, combine ingredients, and walk away while the slow cooker works its culinary magic, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals without complex techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impressive enough for dinner parties yet comfortable for family meals, this dish adapts beautifully to various side dishes like risotto, polenta, or creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring something for everyone.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet Experience: Transforms economical veal shanks into a luxurious meal using simple ingredients and minimal kitchen equipment, delivering sophisticated flavor without breaking the bank.

Comfort Stew Staples in a Crockpot Osso Buco

• Veal Shanks: Hearty, tender meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious after slow cooking. Choose fresh, high-quality cuts with good marbling.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix for building deep flavor base. Fresh, firm vegetables provide rich undertones to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor. Choose fresh garlic cloves for best taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing meat's natural flavor. Use kosher or sea salt for better seasoning.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that complement the veal's richness. Fresh herbs are preferable but dried work well.
• Bay Leaf: Provides subtle earthy background notes. Remove before serving.

• White Wine: Helps deglaze pan and tenderize meat. Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio.
• Beef or Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds depth. Low-sodium versions allow better flavor control.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used for dredging meat, creating golden crust. Helps thicken sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich cooking fat for searing and sautéing. Use unsalted butter for better control.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture. Canned whole tomatoes can be substituted.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh flavor for gremolata.
• Lemon Zest: Adds citrusy brightness.

Osso Buco Slow Cooker Simmer Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Pat the veal shanks completely dry using paper towels.

Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Dust each shank with flour, carefully shaking off any excess coating to ensure a perfect sear.

Step 2: Create a Golden Exterior

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place veal shanks into the hot pan.

Sear each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops.

Transfer the browned shanks directly into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic qualities.

Step 4: Enhance with Wine

Pour white wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes, concentrating its flavors.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Transfer the vegetable mixture into the slow cooker.

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef or chicken broth
• Tomato paste
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Rosemary leaves
• Bay leaf

Gently stir all ingredients to ensure even distribution.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 4-5 hours.

The veal should become incredibly tender, easily falling away from the bone.

Step 7: Create Optional Gremolata Topping

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the osso buco over creamy risotto, smooth polenta, or fluffy mashed potatoes.

Sprinkle the optional gremolata on top for an extra burst of fresh flavor.

Braising Tips for Tender Osso Buco

• Choose fresh, well-marbled veal shanks from a trusted butcher for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Pat meat completely dry before flouring to achieve a deep, golden-brown crust that locks in rich flavors and creates delicious caramelization.
• Keep the lid sealed during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent liquid evaporation, ensuring perfectly moist and tender meat.
• Deglaze the pan thoroughly to capture all browned bits, which contribute incredible depth and complexity to the sauce's overall taste profile.
• Chop parsley and zest very finely to create a bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the rich, hearty meat and adds a vibrant citrus note.

Slow Cooker Osso Buco Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring optimal flavor and safety.
• Transfer cooled osso buco to freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm gently in a covered skillet or oven at 325°F. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 15-20 minutes.
• Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving to guarantee food safety and maintain delicious, tender meat texture.

Wine and Bread for Osso Buco

• Pair with Rich Red Wines: Choose full-bodied Italian red wines like Barolo or Brunello di Montalcino that complement the robust meat's flavor and stand up to its hearty texture.
• Enhance with Creamy Risotto: Prepare saffron-infused risotto alla milanese as a classic accompaniment that absorbs the savory osso buco sauce and provides a luxurious contrast to the tender veal.
• Match with Bright Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with shaved parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh herbs to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Complement with Rustic Bread: Serve crusty ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious braising liquid and add a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Osso Buco Slow Cooker Options

• Lamb Shanks Swap: Replace veal shanks with tender lamb shanks for a rich, slightly gamier flavor profile that maintains the dish's hearty essence.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cornstarch or almond flour instead of wheat flour for dredging, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic comfort meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute veal shanks with large portobello mushroom caps or seitan, adapting the cooking method to create a plant-based version with similar texture and depth.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the flour dredging and serve over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the robust flavors intact.

FAQs

• What is osso buco?

Osso buco is a traditional Italian braised veal dish originating from Milan, featuring cross-cut veal shanks slow-cooked in white wine, vegetables, and broth until the meat becomes incredibly tender.

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

Dredging the veal shanks in flour helps create a golden-brown crust when searing, which adds rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce during cooking.

• Can I use beef instead of veal?

Yes, you can substitute beef shanks for veal shanks if veal is not available. The cooking method remains the same, though beef might require slightly longer cooking time.

• What does gremolata add to the dish?

Gremolata is a fresh, zesty garnish made with parsley, lemon zest, and garlic that provides a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich, hearty meat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the osso buco.

Slow Cooker Osso Buco Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker osso buco promises a delectable Italian classic that melts in your mouth with rich, tender braised veal. Savory herbs and slow-simmered vegetables create a comforting meal that connects you directly to traditional Milanese cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 veal shanks (about 1.5 inches thick)

Flour and Oils:

• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids:

• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Gremolata (Optional):

• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the veal shanks by gently patting them dry with clean kitchen towels, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully dust each shank with a light coating of flour, ensuring excess is thoroughly shaken off.
2. Create a rich flavor base by heating olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully sear each veal shank, rotating to achieve a deep golden-brown crust on all surfaces. Gently transfer the browned shanks into the slow cooker.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté aromatic vegetables. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and sliced celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its fragrant oils for an additional minute.
4. Enhance the dish’s complexity by deglazing the pan with white wine. Scrape the caramelized bits from the skillet’s bottom, creating a flavorful fond. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
5. Transfer the vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, combining it with diced tomatoes, rich broth, concentrated tomato paste, and a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
6. Set the slow cooker to low heat and allow the osso buco to simmer for 6-8 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 4-5 hours. The meat should become incredibly tender, effortlessly separating from the bone.
7. While the dish is cooking, prepare an optional bright gremolata by finely chopping fresh parsley, zesting a lemon, and mincing garlic. Mix these ingredients to create a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
8. Once fully cooked, carefully plate the osso buco over a creamy bed of risotto, polenta, or smooth mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the optional gremolata on top for an additional layer of fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose bone-in veal shanks with plenty of marrow for rich, deep flavor and optimal tenderness.
• Dredging meat in flour creates a beautiful golden crust and helps thicken the sauce during slow cooking.
• Searing the meat before slow cooking develops complex caramelized flavors and locks in moisture.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to maintain similar texture and coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg