Slow-Cooked Beef Osso Bucco: A Healthy, Delicious Family Dinner

Listen... We get it—finding the time to cook something healthy and delicious for your family can feel like a juggling act.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this Beef Osso Bucco recipe. It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and lets you rest easy knowing you’re serving your family pasture-raised, nutrient-dense meat from a farm you can trust.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, and the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you.

Why Osso Bucco?

This Italian-inspired dish uses bone-in beef shanks, which are full of rich flavor and natural nutrients like collagen (great for growing kids!). Our pasture-raised beef shanks are raised with care and love—just the way food should be.

What You’ll Need:

For the Beef:

• 4 Edwards Family Farms pasture-raised beef shanks (Osso Bucco)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (optional for a light coating)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth (bonus points if you use your homemade bone broth!)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf

For the Gremolata (optional but amazing):

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced

How to Make It:

1. Prep the Shanks:
   Pat the shanks dry and season them with salt and pepper. If you’re using flour, lightly coat each piece.
2. Brown the Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the shanks on both sides until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). This locks in the flavor. Transfer to your slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
   In the same skillet, toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Build the Sauce:
   Stir in the wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then add the broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir it all together and pour over the shanks in the slow cooker.
5. Let It Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours). The meat should be fall-off-the-bone tender.
6. Make the Gremolata:
   While the osso Bucco finishes, mix the parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl.
7. Serve:
   Serve the shanks with the sauce spooned over the top and a sprinkle of gremolata for a fresh, zesty finish. This pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, polenta, or even crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce.

Why This Matters

When you choose pasture-raised beef, you’re giving your family clean, nutrient-packed meat and supporting sustainable farming. Plus, it just tastes better!

Pro Tips:

• Pick Quality Meat: Start with high-quality, pasture-raised beef shanks (like the ones from Edwards Family Farms 😉). The marrow in the bone is the secret to rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the shanks before slow cooking might seem like an extra step, but it’s worth it. This locks in flavor and gives the dish that deep, savory richness.
• Low and Slow is Key: Osso Bucco shines when cooked slowly. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites. A slow cooker or a low oven (about 325°F) works beautifully.
• Layer Your Flavors: The combination of sautéed veggies, broth, wine, and tomatoes creates a robust sauce. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting as you go—add a pinch of salt, a splash of wine, or a sprinkle of herbs if needed.
• Let It Rest: Once the osso Bucco is done, let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together even more.
• Add the Gremolata Right Before Serving: Gremolata is like the cherry on top—it adds a burst of freshness that balances the rich, hearty sauce.
• Save the Bone Marrow: Don’t let that creamy goodness go to waste! Scoop out the marrow from the bone and spread it on a piece of bread or stir it back into the sauce for an extra flavor boost.
• Make It Ahead: Osso Bucco tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat. It’s a great dish to prep on Sunday and enjoy during the week!

Give this recipe a try and let us know how your family likes it. We love seeing your meals—tag us in your photos!