Beef Osso Bucco is the ultimate comfort food tender, slow-cooked beef simmered for hours in a rich, aromatic sauce made with Rosé wine, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The slow braising process ensures the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, while the sauce develops deep, complex flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or a simple side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, this osso bucco recipe is sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 – 2 kg Beef Osso Bucco
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- ¼ Cup Plain Flour
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 50g Butter
- 1 Large Brown Onion, finely chopped
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Carrots, finely chopped
- 2 Stalks Celery, finely chopped
- 1 Can (400g) Chopped Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Rosé Wine
- 2 Cups Beef Stock
- 6 Thyme Sprigs
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 160℃ (320℉).
- Season the beef osso bucco with sea salt and black pepper. Dust with plain flour and shake off any excess.
- Heat a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil, and brown the osso bucco in batches. Set aside.
- Add butter to the pan and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and slightly browned.
- Pour in the Rosé wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, thyme, and beef stock, then bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the browned osso bucco to a large casserole dish and pour the sauce over it.
- Cover the dish with baking paper, then seal tightly with foil.
- Bake for 4 hours, then remove the foil and cook uncovered for another 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or caper gremolata.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours
Kcal: ~450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Ultimate Guide to Braised Beef Osso Bucco
Beef Osso Bucco is a timeless dish that exemplifies the beauty of slow cooking. Traditionally made with veal shanks, this beef variation is just as flavorful, if not more so, thanks to the richness of beef marrow bones and the depth of flavors that develop over hours of braising. Rooted in Italian cuisine, Osso Bucco translates to “bone with a hole,” referring to the bone-in meat cut used for this recipe. This dish is a true comfort food, offering fork-tender meat bathed in a velvety, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.
If you’ve never cooked Osso Bucco before, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from its origins to tips for achieving the best flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or simply indulging in a heartwarming meal, this beef Osso Bucco recipe is a must-try for any home cook.
The Origins of Osso Bucco
Osso Bucco has its roots in Lombardy, a northern region of Italy known for its rich and creamy dishes. The original Milanese version of Osso Bucco was typically made with veal shanks and featured a delicate, light sauce with white wine, broth, and simple seasonings. Over time, variations of the dish emerged, with many cooks substituting beef for veal due to its accessibility and deeper, more robust flavor.
Modern versions of Osso Bucco often incorporate red or rosé wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, creating a richer and more complex sauce. While veal Osso Bucco remains a classic in Italian households, the beef adaptation has gained immense popularity worldwide, especially in regions where beef shanks are more readily available.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Osso Bucco Recipe
- Unparalleled Flavor: The combination of slow-braised beef, wine, tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates an irresistibly rich sauce that’s bursting with deep, savory flavors.
- Fall-Off-The-Bone Tender: Thanks to the slow-cooking method, the meat becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the flavors of the sauce while remaining juicy and moist.
- Aromatic and Comforting: The slow infusion of garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and thyme fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that signals a meal worth waiting for.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This dish is a showstopper that’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or family gatherings.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve Osso Bucco over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or even pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Osso Bucco
1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat
For the best Osso Bucco, opt for beef shanks with a generous amount of marrow inside the bone. The marrow adds a luxurious depth to the sauce while ensuring the meat stays juicy and flavorful. Look for shanks that are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, as thinner cuts may cook too quickly and become dry.
2. Don’t Skip the Searing Step
Searing the beef before braising is crucial for developing a rich, caramelized flavor. When the meat is browned, it creates a deep umami base that enhances the entire dish. Be patient and let each piece develop a golden crust before removing it from the pan.
3. Build Layers of Flavor
The key to an exceptional Osso Bucco is layering flavors. Start by sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Adding wine at this stage helps deglaze the pan, lifting all those delicious browned bits to infuse the sauce with even more depth.
4. Slow and Low is the Secret
Braising is all about patience. Cooking Osso Bucco at a low temperature (around 160°C or 320°F) for 4-5 hours allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in fork-tender meat. Resist the temptation to rush this step good things come to those who wait!
5. Keep it Moist
Covering the dish with both baking paper and foil creates a sealed environment that prevents the sauce from evaporating too quickly. This ensures the beef stays moist while the flavors concentrate beautifully.
6. Add a Finishing Touch with Gremolata
For a fresh contrast to the rich braised beef, consider topping your Osso Bucco with gremolata—a zesty blend of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. This adds a pop of brightness that balances the hearty dish perfectly.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Osso Bucco
Beef Osso Bucco is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are some of the best options to pair with it:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety potatoes soak up the flavorful sauce, making every bite irresistible.
- Soft Polenta: Buttery, cheesy polenta complements the rich, slow-braised meat beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf of bread is perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce.
- Pappardelle Pasta: Thick, ribbon-like pasta makes for a satisfying base to enjoy the braised beef and sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed greens like spinach or broccolini provide a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Since Osso Bucco features bold, slow-cooked flavors, it pairs wonderfully with wines that can match its richness. Here are some great choices:
- Red Wines: A full-bodied red like Barolo, Chianti, or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the deep flavors of the braised beef.
- Rosé Wine: If you’re using rosé in the recipe, serving it alongside the meal creates a seamless flavor experience.
- White Wines: For a lighter pairing, try a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about Osso Bucco is that it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Osso Bucco in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Conclusion:
Beef Osso Bucco is the epitome of comfort food rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With its slow-braised tenderness, luxurious sauce, and aromatic flavors, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any dining table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to an indulgent meal, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress with minimal effort.
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect Osso Bucco at home. So, gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the slow-cooking magic begin! 🍷🥩