Pasture-Raised & Braised Ossobuco
August 2, 2025 • 0 comments
This nourishing beef ossobuco features cross-cut shanks slow-braised in red wine and bone broth, releasing the rich, nutrient-dense marrow from the bones. Bone marrow is packed with collagen, healthy fats, and minerals that support joint health, immunity, and gut healing. It’s a deeply satisfying, farm-to-table meal that feeds both body and soul.
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
Directions
Ingredients:
- 4 cross-cut beef ossobuco (beef shanks, bone-in)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil or beef tallow
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef bone broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the Meat:
Pat beef shanks dry. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. - Sear:
Heat olive oil or tallow in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear the beef shanks 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Set aside. - Sauté Veggies:
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and celery. Cook until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
Add minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir and cook for another minute. - Deglaze:
Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Braise:
Return beef to the pot. Pour in bone broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, and lemon zest.
Bring to a simmer, then cover tightly. - Slow Cook:
Transfer to a 325°F (160°C) oven and braise for 2.5–3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone. - Finish & Serve:
Discard bay leaf and thyme stems. Spoon rich sauce over each shank.
Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty sourdough.
Notes:
This dish shines with pasture-raised beef and homemade broth—every bite honors the land and the labor. It also freezes beautifully, so save some for later.
Health Benefits for Marrow Lovers:
Ossobuco is slow-cooked with marrow-rich bones, releasing the same nutrients as traditional bone broth, but with a gourmet twist:
• Collagen & Gelatin – Supports joints, skin, and gut health
• Amino Acids (glycine, proline) – Help repair tissues and calm inflammation
• Minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) – Easy to absorb and health essential
• Iron & Zinc – Support immune function and energy
• Healthy Fats from Marrow – Nourishing, brain-supportive, and deeply satisfying
