Recipes for Beef Bone Broth: Stovetop, Crockpot, and Instant Pot

Beef bone broth is a nutritious and flavorful base for many dishes. It’s rich in collagen, vitamins, and minerals, making it a staple in various cuisines. Here, we provide detailed recipes for beef bone broth, including stovetop, crockpot, and Instant Pot methods. Additionally, we offer variations for Texan, French, and Italian-style beef bone broths, with explanations behind each ingredient choice to enhance your culinary experience.

Basic Beef Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds beef bones (marrow, knuckle, or joint bones)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• 10-12 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)

Instructions

Stovetop

1. Roast Bones: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer roasted bones to a large stockpot. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, and herbs.
3. Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover the bones and vegetables.
4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12-24 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam or fat.
5. Strain: Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Store: Cool and store in jars or containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Crockpot

1. Roast Bones: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer roasted bones to a crockpot. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, and herbs.
3. Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover the bones and vegetables.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 24-48 hours.
5. Strain: Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Store: Cool and store in jars or containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Instant Pot

1. Roast Bones: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer roasted bones to the Instant Pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, and herbs.
3. Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover the bones and vegetables, but do not exceed the maximum fill line.
4. Pressure Cook: Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Soup/Broth” mode or manual high pressure for 2 hours.
5. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 30 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Strain: Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Store: Cool and store in jars or containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Have you mastered the basic broth and want to spice it up, or are you just feeling a little edgy today? Swap out the basic flavors and take it up a notch with one of these culinary fusions:

Texan Beef Bone Broth

Inspired by the bold and smoky flavors of Texan cuisine, this variation adds heat and depth to the basic beef bone broth.

Ingredients and Their Inspiration

• Jalapeño: Adds a mild to moderate heat characteristic of Tex-Mex cuisine.
• Cumin Seeds: Brings a warm, earthy flavor typical of Southwestern dishes.
• Coriander Seeds: Offers a subtle, citrusy undertone that complements cumin.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a rich, smoky flavor reminiscent of Texas barbecue.

French Beef Bone Broth

This version draws on traditional French ingredients for a sophisticated and aromatic broth.

Ingredients and Their Inspiration

• Leek: A classic ingredient in French cooking, adding a mild onion-like flavor.
• Fennel Bulb: Provides a delicate anise flavor that enhances the broth’s aroma.
• Tomato Paste: Boosts umami and adds depth, common in French soups and stews.
• Bouquet Garni: A bundle of thyme, parsley, and bay leaf, infusing the broth with classic French herb flavors.

Italian Beef Bone Broth

Infused with traditional Italian flavors, this broth is perfect for Italian-inspired dishes.

Ingredients and Their Inspiration

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a rich, umami flavor and slight acidity, a staple in Italian cooking.
• Parmesan Rind: Provides a deep, savory flavor that enriches the broth, often used in Italian soups.
• Fresh Basil: Infuses a sweet, peppery aroma characteristic of Italian cuisine.
• Dried Oregano: Adds a robust, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Time to Get Nourished

Making beef bone broth at home is simple and rewarding, whether you use a stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot. By adding specific ingredients, you can create unique variations like Texan, French, and Italian beef bone broths to suit your culinary style. Enjoy the rich, nutritious flavors of homemade beef bone broth in your favorite mug or added into a nourishing meal!

Once you’ve got your bone broth made, it’s time to can it. Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Using a Pressure Canner.