Veal Shanks in Tomato Gravy
These slow-cooker veal shanks, or osso buco, are cooked in a tomato gravy until fork-tender. The recipe is as simple as adding everything to your slow cooker with no sauteing or searing required.
Veal shanks are a cut of meat taken from the shin of a calf. This cut is prized for its rich, gelatinous texture and flavorful marrow. When cooked slowly, veal shanks become tender and develop a deep, savory flavor.
Slow cooker veal shanks with tomato gravy offer a taste of rustic Italian cooking with the convenience of modern kitchen appliances. Tender veal shanks are slowly simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and spices until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. This hearty dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, and the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy the savory aroma as it fills your kitchen.
Why make this recipe?
- Flavorful Tomatoes: The recipe uses high-quality tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful gravy that perfectly complements the tender veal shanks.
- Tender Veal: Slow-cooking veal shanks ensures they become incredibly tender and juicy, making each bite a delight.
- Convenience: Using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy and convenient. Simply prepare the ingredients, set the cooker, and let it do the work for you.
- Impressive Presentation: The finished dish looks impressive and will wow your guests, making it perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Onion and garlic – Because I am using the slow cooker, I prefer to use onion powder and garlic. You can also use fresh onion and garlic, but I think the flavor is better with powders.
- Tomatoes – I am using both tomato paste for its concentrated flavor and canned crushed tomatoes for the gravy. I would not recommend fresh tomatoes as they do not cook down and give that intense flavor to the gravy.
- Balsamic – It has a wonderful and unique flavor and aroma, which is highly recommended. But you can also use apple cider vinegar.
- Spices – Not much, but a little smoky cumin and smoked paprika do enhance the flavor of this dish. You can, of course, omit these two, and it will still be as delicious.
- Honey – Brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and vinegar. You can also use brown sugar instead.
- Fresh herbs – Veal and beef are always a great combination with rosemary and thyme. I am using fresh, but a tablespoon of each works great for slow cooking, too.
Step-by-step: Veal Shanks
- Thaw the shanks for at least an hour before you plan to cook. Place them on clean paper hand towels and pat them dry.
Pro tip – The shanks must be dry. Otherwise, there will be excess gravy. I like to leave them to thaw uncovered in the fridge overnight so that excess moisture can dry out.
- Liquid ingredients – In a measuring cup, combine all the liquid ingredients: garlic and onion powder, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, mustard paste, crushed tomatoes, honey, broth, oil, salt, and pepper.
Pro tip – You can also add all these ingredients directly into the slow cooker. For the video, I used a measuring cup.
- Place the veal shanks, thyme, and rosemary in the slow cooker or crockpot. Then, pour the liquid ingredients over the veal shanks. Lightly stir to ensure the liquid goes under the shanks.
- Cover and cook. You can slow-cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Make a slurry with cornstarch and water. Then, add it to the slow cooker. Cook for another 30 to 60 minutes.
Pro tip – In the video, I removed the meat before adding the slurry. This is a great way to prevent overcooking the meat and reduce excess liquid. However, you can also add the slurry directly to the pot with the meat. - Garnish with chopped parsley over steamed rice or mashed potatoes.
Frequently asked questions
These osso buco or veal shanks will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
You can, of course. However, on the stovetop, I would prefer to sear the meat and sweat some fresh veggies. Perhaps you would like to try my recipe for osso bucco, which is made on the stovetop and finished in the oven.
Mashed potatoes and steamed rice are very popular. But you can also serve other potatoes like lemon rosemary roast potatoes, lemon dill potatoes, and potato wedges. When I’m in a low-carb mood, I usually serve it with cauliflower rice. In addition, you can also serve it with creamy polenta.
Almost any vegetable pairs well with the dish. Try Sesame asparagus or garlic Parmesan asparagus, Swiss chard patties, sesame green beans, oven-baked butternut squash, and oven-baked carrot sticks.
Slow Cooker Veal Shanks Recipe
This slow cooker veal shanks, or osso buco, is cooked in a tomato gravy until fork-tender. The recipe is as simple as adding everything to your slow cooker without requiring sauteing or searing.
Video
Ingredients
- 4 lbs (1.81 kg) Veal shanks (1 lb each)
- 3 sprigs Thyme
- 3 springs Rosemary
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Onion powder
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Mustard paste
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika (I used hot but sweet works too)
- 14 oz (400 g) Crushed tomatoes canned
- 1 cup (240 ml) Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Water
Method
- Thaw the shanks for at least an hour before you plan to cook. Place them on clean paper hand towels and pat them dry. Pro tip – The shanks must be dry. Otherwise, there will be excess gravy. I like to leave to thaw them uncovered in the fridge overnight so that excess moisture can dry out.4 lbs Veal shanks
- Liquid ingredients – In a measuring cup combine all the liquid ingredients – garlic and onion powder, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, mustard paste, crushed tomatoes, honey, broth, oil, salt, and pepper. Pro tip – You can also add all these ingredients directly into the slow cooker. For the purpose of the video, I did it in a measuring cup.1 tsp Garlic powder, 2 tbsp Onion powder, 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp Tomato paste, 1 tbsp Mustard paste, 2 tbsp Honey, 2 tbsp Cooking oil , 1 tsp Cumin powder, 1 tbsp Smoked paprika, 14 oz Crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp Pepper, 1 cup Chicken broth
- Place the veal shanks, thyme, and rosemary in the slow cooker or crockpot. Then, pour the liquid ingredients over the veal shanks. Lightly stir to ensure the liquid goes under the shanks.3 sprigs Thyme, 3 springs Rosemary
- Cover and cook. You can slow cook on low for 8 hours or slow cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Make a slurry with cornstarch and water. Then, add it to the slow cooker. Cook another 30 to 60 minutes. Pro tip – In the video, I removed the meat out before adding the slurry. This is a great way to prevent overcooking the meat as well as reducing excess liquid. But, you can also add the slurry directly with the meat in the pot.1 tsp Cornstarch, ¼ cup Water
- Garnish with chopped parsley over steamed rice or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality veal shanks, tomatoes, and herbs for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.
- Season Generously: Season the veal shanks and tomato gravy generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. This will ensure a flavorful dish.
- Low and Slow: Cook the veal shanks on a low setting in the slow cooker for several hours. This allows the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Skim the Fat: If necessary, skim any excess fat from the surface of the tomato gravy before serving. This will result in a lighter, more flavorful sauce.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the veal shanks to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist and tender final dish.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
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next time I will not add oil or honey to make less fattening. I added mushrooms, carrots and fresh green beans. many thanks. Also I’m gonna try using chicken with bones.
Thank you, Katherine. I am so happy to hear that you loved this recipe. yes, chicken would be delicious too!
I appreciate how this recipe makes good use of the slow cooker and it definitely seems like a recipe that everyone will enjoy.