Ina Garten’s Perfect Osso Buco Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Osso buco, a hearty Italian classic, transforms humble veal shanks into a culinary masterpiece that whispers comfort and sophistication.

Rich braising techniques elevate these tender meat cuts into something magical and memorable.

Wine and aromatic vegetables mingle to create an extraordinary sauce that hugs each succulent piece of meat.

Slow cooking allows collagen to break down, resulting in meltingly soft textures that practically dissolve on your fork.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, promising an experience far beyond a simple meal.

The rustic elegance of this preparation signals a sophisticated dinner that impresses without overwhelming: gather your ingredients and prepare for pure deliciousness.

Why Ina Garten Osso Buco Feels Like a Showstopper

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic: The slow-braising technique transforms tough veal shanks into incredibly tender meat that practically falls off the bone, creating a luxurious dining experience that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
• Flavor-Packed Layers: Each step builds deep, complex flavors – from crispy pancetta to caramelized vegetables, wine-deglazed fond, and bright gremolata – resulting in a rich, multi-dimensional dish that tantalizes every taste bud.
• Effortless Elegance: Despite looking and tasting like a complicated gourmet recipe, this osso buco is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Wonder: The entire meal comes together in a single oven-proof pot, minimizing cleanup and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully during the slow, gentle cooking process.

What Goes Into Ina Garten Osso Buco

• Veal Shanks: Rich, tender cut perfect for slow braising, best when fresh and from a reliable butcher.
• Pancetta: Adds depth of flavor and richness, traditional Italian cured pork that brings saltiness to the dish.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix that creates a flavor base, should be fresh and crisp.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and depth, choose firm cloves without sprouts.
• Fresh Thyme: Herbaceous note that complements meat, select bright green leaves without wilting.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used for coating meat to help create a golden crust and thicken sauce.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and helps deglaze the pot, preferably a dry variety like Pinot Grigio.
• Chicken or Beef Stock: Creates moisture and additional flavor for braising, use low-sodium for better control.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Zest, Garlic: Bright, fresh topping that cuts through the richness of the meat, choose vibrant ingredients.

Instructions for Perfect Osso Buco

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Crank the oven to 325°F (163°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Crisp Up The Pancetta

Cook pancetta in a big oven-proof pot over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Scoop out the pancetta, leaving behind 2 tablespoons of flavorful fat.

Step 3: Prepare The Veal

Coat veal shanks with a light flour dusting. Brown them in the pot over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side. Set aside temporarily.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

• Garlic
• Thyme

Stir and cook for another 2 minutes to release amazing aromas.

Step 5: Deglaze And Create Liquid Gold

Pour wine into the pot, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Add stock until it covers about half the shanks.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Return pancetta and veal shanks to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and slide into the oven. Let it cook for 1 to 1½ hours until the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 7: Craft The Bright Gremolata

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Place osso buco on a bed of creamy risotto or polenta. Sprinkle the zesty gremolata on top for a burst of freshness.

Smart Tips for Osso Buco Mastery

• Crisp Up Pancetta: Render the pancetta slowly in a pan to release its rich, salty flavor and create a delightful crunchy texture that adds depth to the dish.
• Perfectly Brown Veal Shanks: Achieve a deep golden-brown crust by patting the meat dry and searing in a hot pan, which locks in the juices and develops an intense, caramelized flavor.
• Homemade Stock Magic: Prepare your own stock for an unparalleled richness that store-bought versions simply can't match, elevating the entire dish with fresh, complex layers of flavor.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to deglaze the pan, adding a bright acidity that complements the rich meat.
• Rest and Relax: Allow the osso buco to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, letting the meat reabsorb its juices and become incredibly tender and succulent.

Storage Notes for Ina’s Osso Buco

• Vacuum Sealing: Preserve osso buco's rich flavors and tender meat by vacuum sealing individual portions in heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste and texture for up to 4 months.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled osso buco into wide-mouth glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Layer portions carefully, covering meat completely with sauce to prevent oxidation and retain moisture. Refrigerate for maximum 4 days, ensuring peak quality and food safety.
• Portioning Strategy: Divide osso buco into single-serving sizes before storing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents, making future meal preparation quick and convenient.

Osso Buco Variations You’ll Love

• Rustic Lamb Osso Buco: Swap veal shanks with lamb shanks for a hearty alternative. Use rosemary instead of thyme to complement the lamb's rich flavor. Maintain the same cooking method and braising technique for tender, falling-off-the-bone meat.
• Mediterranean Chicken Osso: Replace veal with bone-in chicken thighs for a lighter version. Add green olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the vegetable base for a Mediterranean profile. Reduce cooking time to 45-60 minutes to prevent chicken from becoming dry.
• Vegetarian Root Vegetable Osso: Create a plant-based option using thick-cut root vegetables like butternut squash or portobello mushroom steaks. Use vegetable stock and maintain the same braising technique. Top with gremolata to preserve the original recipe's bright, fresh finish.
• Spicy Pork Osso Buco: Use pork shanks and incorporate smoked paprika and chipotle peppers into the vegetable base. Add a touch of orange zest to the gremolata for complexity. Cook slowly to ensure the meat becomes meltingly tender and infused with robust flavors.

End of the Braise: Osso Buco Reflections

Ina Garten’s osso buco masterpiece transports palates to Italian culinary landscapes where comfort meets sophistication.

Succulent veal shanks braised to tender perfection showcase her culinary expertise with remarkable precision.

Classic techniques merge with rich Mediterranean flavors, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Wine-infused sauce intertwines with aromatic vegetables, promising depth in each luxurious bite.

Gremolata’s zesty brightness cuts through hearty meat, balancing complex flavor profiles seamlessly.

Curious cooks and passionate epicureans: savor this recipe, share its magic across social platforms, and celebrate culinary artistry that connects hearts through magnificent meals.

Low Carb Keto Reuben Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Keto Reuben Casserole delivers classic deli flavors without carb overload. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese meld into a satisfying meal that lets dieters enjoy familiar comfort without compromise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) corned beef, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
• 8 oz (225g) Swiss cheese slices

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) avocado oil

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) sauerkraut, drained
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sugar-free thousand island dressing

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare the oven by heating it to a precise 400°F (200°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Carefully select fresh cauliflower florets and place them in a spacious mixing bowl, generously coating each piece with silky avocado oil, then seasoning thoroughly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
3. Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in an even, single layer across a large rimmed baking sheet, allowing each piece ample space to roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior during the 25-30 minute cooking process.
4. Once the cauliflower achieves a tender and slightly caramelized texture, carefully transfer the roasted florets to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, creating a foundational layer for the upcoming flavor-packed casserole.
5. Drain the sauerkraut completely, then distribute it uniformly over the roasted cauliflower, creating a tangy and textural intermediate layer that will complement the other ingredients.
6. Generously drizzle thousand island dressing across the sauerkraut, ensuring an even distribution of the creamy, slightly sweet condiment that will bind the dish’s complex flavors.
7. Strategically arrange chopped corned beef over the dressed sauerkraut, creating a protein-rich layer that will provide robust, savory notes to the casserole.
8. Complete the dish by meticulously layering Swiss cheese slices across the top, covering the entire surface to create a melty, golden-brown protective blanket during the final baking stage.
9. Return the fully assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, monitoring carefully until the cheese melts completely and develops a slightly bubbling, golden appearance.

Notes

• Squeeze sauerkraut thoroughly to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole texture.
• Select freshly sliced deli corned beef for superior flavor and more tender meat compared to packaged alternatives.
• Roast cauliflower until golden and crispy to maintain its structural integrity and prevent sogginess in the final dish.
• Cover the casserole with foil while melting Swiss cheese to ensure even distribution and prevent excessive browning.
• Give the casserole a brief 5-minute resting period after baking, allowing flavors to harmonize and creating cleaner, more precise slices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 407
• Sugar: 0.1g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 37.1g
• Saturated Fat: 22.3g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Protein: 16.1g
• Cholesterol: 90mg