Simmered Osso Bucco Beef Stew with Creamy Polenta (2 Hrs, 25 Mins)

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Let’s indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of osso buco beef stew, a sumptuous dish that combines tender beef shanks with a savory, aromatic sauce. Served over a bed of creamy polenta, this stew makes for a heartwarming meal perfect for cozy evenings. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s sure to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant presentation.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Beef Stew:

  • 4 beef shanks, about 1 inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For the Polenta:

  • 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep and Brown Beef Shanks (15 minutes): Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef shanks on both sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables (10 minutes): In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Deglaze and Simmer Stew (1 hour 30 minutes): Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the beef shanks to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat until the beef is tender, about 1.5 hours.
  4. Cook Polenta (30 minutes): In a separate pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir until polenta is thick and creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter, season with salt.
  5. Serve (5 minutes): Remove bay leaf from stew. Spoon creamy polenta onto plates or into bowls. Place a beef shank on top of each serving of polenta. Ladle some stew sauce over the top.
  6. Garnish (1 minute): Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Osso buco beef stew is a luxurious dish that combines tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a sumptuous meal.

The slow cooking process of the stew allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender. This dish is ideal for a weekend dinner when you have more time to savor the cooking process. Pair with your favorite veggies for a complete meal and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Pair this with...

Honey Glazed Carrots

Begin by cleaning and peeling your carrots. If they're large, you might want to slice them into smaller, uniform pieces for even cooking. In a pan, bring a bit of water to a simmer and add the carrots, letting them steam until they're tender but still have a bite. Drain any excess water, then return the pan to the heat. Add a good dollop of butter and let it melt, followed by a generous drizzle of honey. Toss the carrots in this buttery, sweet mixture, seasoning with a pinch of salt and maybe a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for an herbal touch. Let them cook a bit longer until they're beautifully glazed and glistening.

Green Beans with Almonds

Begin by trimming the ends of your fresh green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil, toss in the beans, and blanch them for just a few minutes until they're bright green and slightly tender. Drain them and dunk in cold water to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color. On the side, toast some roughly chopped almonds in a dry skillet until they're golden and fragrant. In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil or butter, and sauté the green beans briefly to warm them up. Toss in the toasted almonds, give everything a good stir, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Easy Dinner Rolls

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter, salt, the rest of your sugar, and some milk. Slowly add in flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish.

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