The Famous Italian OSSO BUCO – for Family or Holiday Dinner. Recipe by Always Yummy!

The Famous Italian OSSO BUCO – for Family or Holiday Dinner. Recipe by Always Yummy! is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Always Yummy! on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 2 hrs 22 min | Total: 2 hrs 57 min

Cost: $31.99 total, $8.00 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 kg Beef Shank (Ossobuco) (bone‑in, cut into 4‑inch pieces)
  • to taste Salt (for seasoning the meat and sauce)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for dredging the shank)
  • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 400 g Onion (peeled and finely chopped)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 300 g Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 3 stalks Celery (diced)
  • 200 ml Dry White Wine (dry, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 500 ml Canned Chopped Tomatoes (drained if very watery)
  • 800 ml Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 tsp Salt (additional for sauce)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (additional for sauce)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 5 Allspice Berries
  • 10 Black Peppercorns (whole)

Instructions

  1. Season and Dredge the Beef

    Pat the beef shank pieces dry, season generously with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in the all‑purpose flour, shaking off excess.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sear the Beef

    Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over high heat. Add the floured shank pieces and sear without moving for about 3 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: high

  3. Add Butter and Sauté Aromatics

    Reduce heat to medium, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Add Garlic, Carrot, and Celery

    Add minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Deglaze with White Wine

    Pour in the dry white wine, stirring to loosen any fond. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs

    Stir in the chopped tomatoes, beef broth, ground nutmeg, 2 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, allspice berries, and whole peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Oven Braise

    Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F (180°C). Braise for 2 hours, or until the meat is fork‑tender and falling off the bone.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Rest and Serve

    Remove the pot from the oven, let the ossobuco rest uncovered for 10 minutes. Skim any excess fat from the surface, then serve the meat with the sauce over risotto, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Gluten, Dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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The Famous Italian OSSO BUCO – for Family or Holiday Dinner. Recipe by Always Yummy!

Recipe by Always Yummy!

A classic Italian braised beef shank (ossobuco) cooked low and slow with aromatic vegetables, wine, tomatoes, and herbs. The meat becomes melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender while the sauce develops deep, comforting flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner served with risotto or polenta.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 29m
Prep
13m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
3h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$31.99
Total cost
$8.00
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning and flour dredging of the beef shank
  • Searing the meat to develop a deep crust
  • Reducing the white wine before adding liquid
  • Long, low‑temperature oven braise

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep a safe distance.
  • The Dutch oven and oven handle become extremely hot; always use oven mitts.
  • Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for safety, though braising will exceed this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Ossobuco in Italian cuisine?

A

Ossobuco originates from Milan in the Lombardy region and traditionally showcases the flavorful marrow from the bone. It became a staple of Italian comfort food, often served with risotto alla Milanese as a celebration of regional ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Ossobuco in Italian cuisine?

A

In Milan, Ossobuco is served with saffron‑infused risotto, while in other parts of Italy it may be paired with polenta or mashed potatoes. Some regions add a splash of balsamic vinegar or use veal instead of beef for a lighter texture.

cultural
Q

How is Ossobuco traditionally served in Lombardy, Italy?

A

The classic presentation pairs the braised shank with a bright gremolata garnish and creamy risotto alla Milanese. The marrow is spooned over the risotto, creating a luxurious, silky finish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Ossobuco traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Ossobuco is often prepared for family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive holidays such as Christmas and Easter in northern Italy, where its rich flavor symbolizes abundance and hospitality.

cultural
Q

How does Ossobuco fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

Ossobuco exemplifies Italy’s love for slow‑cooked, bone‑based dishes that extract deep flavor. It reflects the Italian principle of letting high‑quality ingredients speak, using simple aromatics and a modest amount of wine.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Ossobuco versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include bone‑in beef or veal shank, dry white wine, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and fresh herbs like rosemary and bay leaf. Substitutes can be beef short ribs for the shank, chicken broth for beef broth, or a splash of white grape juice with vinegar for wine.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Ossobuco?

A

Ossobuco pairs beautifully with risotto alla Milanese, creamy polenta, or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon. A side of sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also complements the rich sauce.

cultural
Q

What makes Ossobuco special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The marrow-filled bone provides a velvety, gelatinous richness that thickens the sauce naturally, creating a luxurious texture that few other Italian dishes achieve.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ossobuco at home?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pot during searing, which prevents a proper crust, and skipping the wine reduction, which can leave a harsh acidity. Also, under‑cooking the braise results in tough meat; the shank should be fork‑tender.

technical
Q

How do I know when Ossobuco is done cooking?

A

The meat is done when it easily pulls away from the bone and the marrow is soft and gelatinous. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without being watery.

technical
Q

Can I make Ossobuco ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can sear and assemble the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it uncovered, and finish the braise in the oven before serving. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for three months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Always Yummy! specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Always Yummy! focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes from around the world, emphasizing step‑by‑step guidance, budget‑friendly ingredients, and clear visual instructions for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Always Yummy!'s approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Always Yummy! blends traditional Italian techniques with practical shortcuts, such as using readily available grocery‑store ingredients and offering make‑ahead tips, making classic dishes like Ossobuco accessible to busy home cooks.

channel

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