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Osso buco is one of those dishes that seem super intimidating because all fancy restaurants have it on their menu. The name is fancy but that’s the only thing that’s fancy about it. Everything about osso buco is simple especially the preparation of it in a slow cooker. I guess everything but the flavor. That is quite possibly the best part when you first take a bite into this slow cooker osso buco.

This slow cooker osso buco recipe comes from Gina Homolka, blogger of Skinnytaste and NYT best-selling author (twice) for her cookbooks! This recipe comes from her latest cookbook, Skinnytaste Fast and Slow, and already one of my favorites in my large collection of cookbooks. I love the variety of recipes in it but most importantly, all the quick recipes for busy weeknights and also the slow cooker recipes. Who doesn’t love a good slow cooker recipe?
Not to mention her recipes are healthy, as well, which is in line with her blog’s philosophy: delicious, healthy, low fat, family-friendly!
This slow cooker osso buco was phenomenal. Fork tender and full of flavor. As Gina says, “as it cooks over the course of the day, the house becomes filled with a savory ‘welcome home’ aroma.”
Special occasion or cravings for that restaurant dish, you can’t go wrong with making this at home in the slow cooker and being in the comfort of your own home!
Slow Cooker Osso Buco
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 pieces veal shank, each about 1 1/4 inches thick (about 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup (53 g) chopped onion
- ⅓ cup (34 g) chopped celery
- ⅓ cup (43 g) chopped carrots
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ¼ cups (303 g) canned crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup (178 ml) beef broth
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 large sprig fresh rosemary
- Chopped fresh parsley, for topping
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Season veal shanks with salt then sear all four sides until browned but not cooked through. Add to the insert of a slow cooker.1 teaspoon olive oil, 4 pieces veal shank, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Then add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to mix a bit.1/3 cup (53 g) chopped onion, 1/3 cup (34 g) chopped celery, 1/3 cup (43 g) chopped carrots, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 1/4 cups (303 g) canned crushed tomatoes, 3/4 cup (178 ml) beef broth, Fresh ground black pepper, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 large sprig fresh rosemary
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Discard sprigs of thyme and rosemary. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top prior to serving, if desired.Chopped fresh parsley
Notes
Nutrition
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Looks wonderful and mouth watering. I am planning on cooking this Osso Buco soon and will write about it!. Thanks
Can fresh herbs be substituted with dry? If yes what proportions?
sure, 1 teaspoon for dry thyme, about 1/2 tablespoon for dried rosemary
Can I substitute the veal for beef short rib?
If so, what adjustments would I need to make?
Awesome recipe, and thanks for the blog <3
hi Benji, i think you should be able to. they’re both really tender cuts. you wouldn’t have to make any adjustments
Absolutely fabulous!!