Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly rewarding way to boost your health and create a delicious base for countless recipes? Look no further than homemade beef bone broth! This slow cooker recipe makes the process unbelievably easy, transforming humble beef bones into a nutrient-rich, flavorful elixir perfect for sipping on its own or using as a culinary foundation. Forget expensive store-bought versions – this recipe delivers superior taste and quality while saving you money. It’s the ultimate in healthy meals and a perfect example of easy recipes done right.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beef bones (knuckle, marrow, or a mix – ask your butcher!)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 cups filtered water
Instructions:
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Prep the Bones: Rinse the beef bones under cold water to remove any excess debris. This is a crucial step for homemade cooking, ensuring a clean and flavorful broth.
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Slow Cooker Assembly: Place the bones, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaf in your slow cooker.
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Add Water: Pour in the filtered water, ensuring the bones are fully submerged.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 24-48 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful your bone broth will become. This is a great option for quick dinner ideas that require minimal hands-on time.
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Strain and Cool: Once cooked, carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth lined colander into a large bowl or container. Discard the solids. Allow the broth to cool completely before storing.
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Store: Once cooled, store the bone broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing is a great way to preserve this delicious and healthy addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.
Tips for the Best Beef Bone Broth:
- Bone Selection: A mix of bones yields the best results. Marrow bones add richness, while knuckle bones contribute collagen.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar helps extract minerals from the bones, resulting in a more nutrient-dense broth.
- Don't Boil: Simmering gently on low heat is key to preventing cloudiness and maximizing flavor extraction.
- Skim the Foam: In the first few hours of cooking, you may notice some foam forming on the surface. Skimming this off will result in a clearer broth.
Variations:
- Add Herbs and Spices: Experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, parsley, or ginger for additional flavor complexity. This is a fantastic way to personalize your best recipes!
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth: Adapt this recipe using chicken or turkey bones for a lighter, different tasting broth.
Nutritional Information (per cup, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Protein: Approximately 2-4 grams
- Fat: Approximately 1-2 grams
This delicious beef bone broth is a testament to the power of simple, homemade cooking. It’s a versatile ingredient, perfect for soups, stews, sauces, or enjoyed on its own as a nourishing and delicious drink. Enjoy!