Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Osso Buco Recipe
When you sink your fork into this Slow Cooker Osso Buco, you’ll immediately understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The tender veal shanks practically melt in your mouth, and the rich, flavorful sauce elevates every bite.
I love how simple it’s to prepare; just a bit of browning and then let the slow cooker do its magic. It’s perfect for busy days when I want to come home to a hearty meal.
Plus, the aroma wafting through the house is simply irresistible. Friends and family can’t resist asking for seconds, and it’s a dish that sparks conversation and laughter around the table.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Osso Buco
Making Slow Cooker Osso Buco is like taking a mini-vacation in your own kitchen. Imagine this: you come home after a long day, and the aroma of tender veal shanks in a rich, savory sauce greets you at the door. It’s a meal that promises warmth and comfort, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to snuggle up with a hearty dish.
And the best part? The ingredients are simple and straightforward, allowing you to whip up this delicious meal without breaking a sweat.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 veal shanks (about 2-1/2 lbs, 1-1/2 to 2-inch thick)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 small red onion, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 stalk celery, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
- 1 large garlic clove, minced (about 1 tsp)
Now, before you rush off to the grocery store, let’s chat about some ingredient considerations.
First off, the quality of the veal shanks really matters; they’re the star of the show. Look for well-marbled pieces that will turn meltingly tender during the slow cooking process.
And if you can’t find veal, beef shanks can be a delicious substitute, although they might take a bit longer to become tender.
Don’t skimp on the aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery; they add depth and flavor to the sauce.
Finally, fresh herbs, especially thyme and parsley, elevate the dish with their vibrant freshness, so don’t be tempted to use dried ones. Trust me, the zestiness of fresh ingredients really makes a difference.
Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Osso Buco
Making Slow Cooker Osso Buco is an experience that feels almost magical, especially when you realize how easy it’s to create such a comforting and hearty dish. Let’s explore the steps to bring this culinary delight to life.
First things first, grab 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and a wide, shallow dish. Season your 4 veal shanks (about 2-1/2 lbs, each 1-1/2 to 2-inches thick) generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge those shanks in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. I like to think of this as giving the veal a little spa treatment before it takes the plunge into the slow cooker.
Now, heat up a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and toss in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait for it to foam—this is where the magic begins. Once that butter is sizzling, carefully add the floured shanks to the skillet. Let them cook until they’re golden brown, turning them once for that perfect sear, which should take about 10 minutes.
Once they’re looking all beautiful and brown, transfer them to your slow cooker. It’s like a cozy bed for those shanks.
Next up, let’s bring the flavor! Pour 1 cup of dry white wine into the skillet, scraping up any of those delicious browned bits—you don’t want to waste any of that flavor. Pour this wine goodness over the shanks in the slow cooker, then add in a 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes (juices and all), 3/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, and your chopped onion (1 small red onion, about 1-1/2 cups), carrot (1 medium, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds), celery (1 stalk, chopped), and 5 sprigs of fresh thyme.
Cover it up and let it cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Seriously, this is where the patience pays off; the smell will be irresistible, and the meat will become so tender it’s practically begging to fall off the bone.
Once it’s done, transfer the shanks to a platter, cover them with foil to keep warm, and pour that sauce into a large skillet to reduce it down to about 2 cups.
Finally, to add a little zing, mix together 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 tablespoon of finely grated lemon zest, and 1 large minced garlic clove (around 1 teaspoon) to create a gremolata.
When you serve the veal shanks, don’t forget to top them with that luscious sauce and a sprinkle of gremolata. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s not just food, but a hug in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Osso Buco Substitutions & Variations
Although traditional Osso Buco is made with veal shanks, you can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a lighter version, try using chicken thighs or pork shanks instead; they’ll still offer great flavor. If you’re vegetarian, substitute the meat with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant. You can also swap the white wine for vegetable broth to keep it alcohol-free.
Experimenting with herbs is fun too; rosemary or sage can add a unique twist. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini.
Finally, if you’re watching carbs, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional risotto for a healthier option. Enjoy making it your own!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Osso Buco
What pairs well with the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Osso Buco? I love serving it with creamy polenta or saffron risotto, which soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.
A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, adds a nice touch of sweetness and color. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
Don’t forget crusty bread for dipping into that savory sauce! For a beverage, a glass of dry white wine complements the dish wonderfully.
Each of these options enhances the meal, making it a truly memorable dining experience. Enjoy your culinary adventure with these delightful pairings!
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying Slow Cooker Osso Buco, a few additional tips can enhance your experience. First, don’t rush the browning process; it adds depth to the flavor.
If you can, use bone-in veal shanks for extra richness. I also recommend tying the shanks with kitchen twine to keep them intact during cooking.
For a touch of freshness, serve with gremolata, which balances the richness beautifully. If you have leftovers, this dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
Finally, consider pairing it with creamy polenta or risotto to soak up the delicious sauce. Trust me, these small tweaks can elevate your Osso Buco to new heights! Enjoy your cooking!