Description

Classic Beef Osso Buco is a rich, slow-braised beef dinner made with tender bone-in beef shanks, vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and a savory sauce that tastes like true comfort food. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for cozy Sunday meals, holiday dinner ideas, family food ideas, and make-ahead comfort food when you want something hearty, elegant, and deeply flavorful.

Ingredients

4 bone-in beef shanks

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery ribs, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup dry red wine or beef broth

1 can crushed tomatoes, 14.5 ounces

2 cups beef broth

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat the beef shanks dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Dredge the beef lightly in flour and shake off the excess.

3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

4. Sear the beef shanks for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned, then transfer them to a plate.

5. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened.

6. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

7. Pour in the red wine or beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release the browned bits.

8. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf.

9. Return the beef shanks to the pot, cover, and braise in a 325°F oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until fork-tender.

10. Remove the beef carefully, discard the bay leaf and herb stems, and simmer the sauce if it needs to thicken.

11. Stir in butter, lemon zest, and parsley.

12. Serve the beef warm with plenty of sauce over mashed potatoes, polenta, risotto, or noodles.

Notes

Avoid rushing the braise. If the beef is not fork-tender after the listed cooking time, keep cooking it gently until the connective tissue softens and the meat pulls apart easily.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Braising
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 beef shank with sauce
Calories: 620
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 52g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: Classic Beef Osso Buco, beef osso buco, braised beef shanks, easy dinner recipe, comfort food dinner, Sunday dinner ideas, holiday dinner ideas