When I first made this Easy Osso Buco recipe, I was nervous about tackling such a revered Italian dish. But to my surprise, it turned out beautifully, and now it’s one of my favorites to make for family and friends.

The rich, savory sauce combined with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is so satisfying, and it fills my kitchen with an incredible aroma as it simmers. What I love most is how this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and something elegant enough for special occasions.

With some mashed potatoes or a rustic loaf of bread, it’s pure magic. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple yet irresistible this recipe is to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Before we get into the specifics, here’s why this Easy Osso Buco recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.

Effortless to Make

Don’t be fooled by its fancy name! This recipe uses easily available ingredients and straightforward steps, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel confident making it. Prepping the meat and sauce takes minimal time, leaving the slow cooking to do most of the work.

Bursting with Flavor

The unique combination of seared veal or beef shanks, garlic, herbs, and a wine-infused tomato sauce creates layers of rich, tangy, and slightly zesty flavors. Every bite tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian kitchen.

Versatile Dish

Osso Buco can be paired with many sides like polenta, risotto, or even pasta, making it ideal for various meals. Want to keep it light? Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables instead.

Perfect for Entertaining

This dish always makes a statement with its gorgeous presentation. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, so you don’t have to stress about cooking while hosting guests.

Comfort Food with a Touch of Elegance

While it feels comforting and hearty, Osso Buco has an elevated charm. The vibrant sauce and soft, succulent meat make it the perfect crossover between a rustic and refined meal.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of how long you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

4 veal or beef shanks
Salt
Black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
3 cloves garlic
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Zest of 1 lemon
Optional gremolata (parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest for garnish)

Variations

There’s plenty of room to adapt this classic recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Protein Options: Swap veal or beef shanks for lamb, chicken thighs, or even pork shanks for a slightly different flavor profile.
Wine-Free Option: If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace the wine with extra broth and a splash of white vinegar for acidity.
Vegetarian Alternative: Make it vegetable-forward by using thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of meat.
Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or chili powder to give the sauce some heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: For searing the meat and slow-cooking everything to perfection.
Tongs: To handle the shanks without damaging their structure.
Sharp knife: For finely chopping vegetables.
Zester or grater: To zest the lemon effortlessly.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and scraping up browned bits for flavor.

How to Make Easy Osso Buco?

If you’re looking for a comforting and elegant meal, Osso Buco is the perfect dish! This Italian classic features tender, slow-braised veal or beef shanks simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. Here’s how to make it effortlessly at home:

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Shanks 🥩

Start by tying each shank with kitchen twine to keep the meat intact during cooking. Generously season all sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Dredge in Flour 🌾

Coat the seasoned shanks in flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps create a crispy, golden crust.

Step 3: Sear the Shanks 🔥

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear the shanks on all sides until browned (around 6–7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables 🥕🧅

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (the classic “sofrito” base) to the same pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for another 30 seconds.

Step 5: Add Wine and Tomatoes 🍷🍅

Pour in wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift up the flavorful browned bits. After a quick simmer, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and lemon zest.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Shanks 🍲

Return the shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 2–2.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t dry out. Add broth if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish 🌿

Once fork-tender, remove the shanks and discard the twine. Serve the meat with the sauce spooned on top, and sprinkle gremolata for a fresh, zesty finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Searing: This step locks in moisture and adds a deep, savory flavor to the meat.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest: It brightens up the sauce and balances out the richness.
Check Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick during simmering, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
Low and Slow Cooking: Patience is key to achieving tender, falling-apart meat.

How to Serve Easy Osso Buco?

To truly enjoy Osso Buco, pair it with sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta work wonders for this. Alternatively, serve over a bed of risotto Milanese for a traditional Italian touch. For added texture, garnish the plate with gremolata and a slice of crusty bread on the side. Arrange everything on a wide bowl or plate for a rustic yet elegant presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’re getting in one serving:

Calories: Approximately 420
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 22g

Make Ahead and Storage

Making Osso Buco in advance? Great idea! The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Refrigeration

Cool any leftovers completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove over low heat.

Freezing

Freeze the meat and sauce in separate airtight containers to maintain the best texture. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating. Properly stored, Osso Buco keeps well frozen for up to 3 months.

By now, you’re probably craving this dish! With its simplicity, bold flavors, and endless pairing possibilities, Easy Osso Buco is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and bring a slice of Italian comfort to your table!

See each step in this video: