Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly healthy meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This slow cooker beef soup bones recipe is your answer. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, fall-off-the-bone beef, swimming in a rich, deeply flavorful broth brimming with vegetables. This isn't just dinner; it's a soul-warming experience perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef soup bones (shank bones are ideal)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon cubes)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (optional)
- 1 cup chopped turnips or parsnips (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Bones (Optional but Recommended): For a richer, deeper flavor, start by searing the beef bones in olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Brown them on all sides, then set them aside. This step enhances the overall taste significantly.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef bones and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, beef broth (or water and bouillon), salt, and pepper.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
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Add Vegetables (Optional): If using potatoes and turnips/parsnips, add them during the last hour of cooking. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the beef bones from the slow cooker and let them cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the meat from the bones and return it to the soup. Discard the bones. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Beef Soup Bones:
- Bone Selection: Choose beef soup bones with marrow for a richer, more flavorful broth. Shank bones are an excellent choice.
- Broth Matters: Use a good quality beef broth for the best results. Homemade broth is even better!
- Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker, allowing for proper circulation and even cooking.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup: Add other vegetables like chopped green beans, peas, or corn during the last hour of cooking.
- Beef Barley Soup: Add 1 cup of pearl barley along with the potatoes and other root vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a great source of protein, collagen, and various vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. However, a general estimate suggests each serving to be relatively low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
This slow cooker beef soup bones recipe is a true testament to the power of slow cooking. It delivers incredible flavor and tenderness with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe is a keeper for any home cook looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or delicious dishes. Enjoy!