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Beef Osso Buco recip

Beef Osso Buco

Beef Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish featuring tender braised beef shanks cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce of vegetables, wine, and broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it brings warmth, tradition, and hearty satisfaction to the table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 marbled beef shanks about 1 ½ to 2 inches thick
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 cup white wine optional
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Seasonings & Spices:

  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole peppercorns

Optional Additions:

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Beef Shanks:

  • Pat the beef shanks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the shanks for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, add diced carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Build the Sauce:

  • Add the diced tomatoes or tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to caramelize.

Braise the Beef:

  • Nestle the beef shanks back into the skillet among the vegetables. Pour in beef stock and white wine (if using), ensuring the shanks are partially submerged. Add rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

Simmer to Perfection:

  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 hours, checking occasionally and adding more stock if necessary. The beef is done when it's fork-tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Serve and Garnish:

  • Serve hot over creamy polenta, risotto, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added brightness.

Notes

  • Make this dish a day ahead for even deeper flavors; simply reheat gently before serving.
  • Pair with a full-bodied red wine like Barolo or Chianti for an authentic Italian dining experience.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Keyword Beef Osso Buco, comfort food, family recipe, Italian braised beef, Italian comfort food, slow-cooked recipe