Osso Bucco Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

ByAmy

Ah, Osso Bucco! Just saying the name makes your kitchen feel instantly more elegant, doesn’t it? This classic Italian dish, whose name literally means “bone with a hole”, features tender veal shanks slowly braised to perfection. Traditionally, it’s cooked on the stove or in the oven, but using a slow cooker elevates the dish to a whole new level of convenience without sacrificing flavor.

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Imagine this: the aroma of slowly simmering meat, infused with fragrant vegetables, tomatoes, and wine, filling your home for hours. By the time dinner rolls around, you’re greeted with melt-in-your-mouth veal, a luscious sauce, and that nostalgic comfort that only a slow-cooked Italian meal can bring. And the best part? You don’t have to hover over a hot stove for hours. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, giving you more time to relax-or to sip that glass of Italian red wine you’ve been saving.

This guide will take you through everything-from ingredients to instructions, swaps, tips, and even fun ways to customize your Osso Bucco so that it’s uniquely yours.

Osso Bucco Slow Cooker Recipe

osso bucco slow cooker recipe

Here’s the lowdown: this recipe is all about layers of flavor. By browning the veal shanks first, then slow-cooking them with aromatics, herbs, and liquids, you end up with a dish that’s both rich and comforting. Whether you serve it over creamy polenta, buttery mashed potatoes, or even risotto Milanese, it will impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.

Ingredient List

For a traditional slow cooker Osso Bucco for 4-6 servings, you’ll need:

  • Veal shanks: 4-6 pieces, about 1.5-2 inches thick
  • All-purpose flour: ½ cup, for dredging the shanks (adds a subtle crust and thickens the sauce slightly)
  • Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons, for browning
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons, optional, for extra richness
  • Onion: 1 large, finely diced
  • Carrots: 2 medium, diced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, diced
  • Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14-15 ounces)
  • White or dry vermouth: ½ cup (or substitute with dry white wine)
  • Chicken or beef broth: 1 cup
  • Fresh thyme: 2-3 sprigs
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Fresh parsley: ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish and finishing touch)
  • Gremolata: Optional but traditional-1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Instruction Guide

Follow these steps for maximum flavor and tender meat:

  1. Prepare The Shanks

    • Pat veal shanks dry with paper towels.
    • Season generously with salt and pepper.
    • Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

  2. Brown The Meat

    • Heat olive oil (and butter if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Brown shanks on all sides until golden (about 3-4 minutes per side).
    • Transfer to the slow cooker.

  3. Sauté The Vegetables

    • In the same skillet, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
    • Add garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes.
    • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

  4. Deglaze The Skillet

    • Pour in vermouth or white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan (this is flavor gold!).

  5. Assemble In Slow Cooker

    • Add sautéed vegetables and tomato mixture to the slow cooker with the shanks.
    • Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth.
    • Add thyme and bay leaf.
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until meat is falling off the bone.

  6. Finishing Touches

    • Remove shanks carefully.
    • Stir sauce, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    • Serve shanks over polenta, risotto, or mashed potatoes.
    • Sprinkle gremolata and fresh parsley on top for a bright, zesty finish.

Ingredient Swaps

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for. No worries! Here are some swaps:

  • Veal shanks → Beef shanks, lamb shanks, or pork shanks (slightly longer cook times for beef).
  • Vermouth or white wine → Chicken broth with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
  • Crushed tomatoes → Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes blended smooth.
  • Fresh herbs → 1 teaspoon dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh.

Helpful Tips

  • Brown meat well: Don’t skip this-it adds layers of flavor.
  • Low and slow: The longer you cook at low heat, the more tender and flavorful the meat.
  • Don’t lift the lid: Opening the slow cooker lets heat escape and can increase cooking time.
  • Skim excess fat: After cooking, skim the top of the sauce if you prefer a leaner finish.
  • Make ahead: Osso Bucco often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Customization Ideas

  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing vegetables.
  • Earthy twist: Stir in mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
  • Creamy finish: Swirl in a tablespoon of mascarpone or cream just before serving.
  • Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of thyme.
  • Different garnishes: Try toasted pine nuts, fried sage leaves, or a drizzle of aged balsamic.

FAQs

What Is Osso Bucco?

Osso bucco is a traditional Italian dish made with braised veal shanks that are slow-cooked until tender. It is typically prepared with vegetables, white wine, and broth, and often garnished with gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley.

Can I Make Osso Bucco In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker is ideal for osso bucco because it allows the meat to cook slowly at low heat, resulting in tender, flavorful shanks that fall off the bone.

How Long Should Osso Bucco Cook In A Slow Cooker?

Cooking time depends on the temperature setting: on low, it typically takes 6 to 8 hours, while on high, it takes about 4 to 5 hours. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.

Do I Need To Brown The Meat Before Using A Slow Cooker?

Browning the veal shanks before slow cooking is recommended but not strictly necessary. Browning enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction and adds a richer color to the final dish.

What Ingredients Are Essential For A Slow Cooker Osso Bucco?

Essential ingredients include veal shanks, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes or tomato paste, white wine, beef or chicken broth, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Can I Use Other Meats Besides Veal?

Yes, beef shanks, pork shanks, or lamb shanks can be used as substitutes. However, cooking times may vary slightly, and veal remains the most traditional choice for authentic flavor.

How Do I Make Osso Bucco More Flavorful In A Slow Cooker?

Enhance flavor by searing the meat first, deglazing the pan with wine, using fresh herbs, and allowing the dish to cook slowly on low heat. Adding a gremolata just before serving also brightens the flavor.

Can I Prepare Osso Bucco Ahead Of Time In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, osso bucco can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat gently on low in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if necessary.

What Side Dishes Go Well With Slow Cooker Osso Bucco?

Traditional accompaniments include risotto alla Milanese, creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or buttered pasta. A simple green vegetable, such as sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli, can also complement the dish.

Is Slow Cooker Osso Bucco Healthy?

Osso bucco can be part of a healthy diet if prepared with lean cuts and minimal added fats. The slow cooking process retains nutrients in the vegetables, and any fat can be skimmed off before serving.

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