Slow Cooker Bone Broth Recipe

This Slow Cooker Bone Broth takes 12-24 hours to make and features beef bones, veggies like carrots and celery. A healthy comfort food perfect for any meal!

about introduction

bone broth, a staple of many cultures throughout history, has gained renewed popularity in recent years as the health benefits become more widely recognized, traditionally made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for long periods, this rich elixir was cherished not just for its flavor...

what makes this homemade bone broth recipe so appealing ? well, it’s packed with nutrients like collagen, gelatin, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for strong bones and overall health, plus, it's incredibly versatile you can use it as a base for soups or sip it straight from the cup, whether you're looking to boost your immune system or simply enjoy an aromatic beverage during chilly evenings, bone broth is your go - to solution .

the complete guide to authentic bone broth recipe slow cooker

diving deeper into the roots of bone broth reveals a rich culinary heritage that spans continents from european culinary traditions to asian comfort foods, each culture has its unique take on this age - old dish; think french pot au feu or vietnamese pho where flavorful broths play starring roles, the fascinating origin story behind these recipes highlights how people have turned humble ingredients into magical dishes over centuries .

culturally speaking, bone broth holds significant importance beyond mere nutrition it symbolizes warmth and nourishment shared among loved ones, it embodies care and tradition passed down through generations, in modern times ? well folks are all about convenience. that’s where slow cookers come in handy turning an intricate process into something simple yet deliciously satisfying .

why you'll love this version

so why will you fall head over heels for this slow cooker version ? first off : unique flavor combinations. by adding aromatic veggies like onions and garlic alongside those meaty bones (whether beef or chicken), you’ll unlock layers of taste that elevate any dish you create from the stock later .

now let’s get real some cooking methods can feel intimidating (hello complicated recipes.), but don't fret. this foolproof technique ensures success every time without requiring advanced chef skills, and since i’m all about saving time in the kitchen and let’s face it we’re all busy bees now i’ve included expert - tested tips that streamline the process while still delivering amazing results.

health & nutrition highlights

when it comes to health benefits associated with bone broth, there are plenty. it's loaded with collagen which supports joint health (important if you've ever felt creaky.), additionally, it's known to promote gut health thanks to its amino acids like glycine which may help improve sleep quality too.

if you follow certain dietary guidelines like paleo or keto diets or even if you're just watching what you eat the good news is that homemade bone broth fits right in. it contains no added preservatives or artificial ingredients; just pure wholesome goodness simmered lovingly over hours .

in terms of balanced nutrition facts ? you’ll find plenty of vital nutrients per serving : protein - rich goodness along with vitamins a & k contributing positively towards heart function while keeping inflammation at bay.

recipe at a glance

ready to whip up your batch ? here’s what you need at - a - glance :

• total preparation time : just about 15 minutes upfront before letting your slow cooker do its magic .
• skill level required : even if you're new to cooking you got this.
• serving size details : depending on how much liquid you want stored away post - cooking; typically yields around 8 cups .
• cost efficiency : using leftover bones is budget - friendly; making use outta scraps saves money too.

with everything laid out nicely here the historical richness combined with modern - day convenience means you'll wanna dive right into creating your very own warming bowlfuls soon enough. so grab those bones because trust me…your future self will thank ya once life gets busy again but warm nutritious meals await from your freezer anytime needed. enjoy every spoonful knowing they’re crafted by love straight from home kitchens everywhere . . .

master ingredient list

premium core ingredients

when it comes to making a delicious bone broth, quality ingredients are key, here’s what you’ll need :

• 4 pounds of beef bones (or chicken bones) : look for bones that have some meat left on them this adds extra flavor, if you're using beef, marrow bones or knuckle bones work wonders, for chicken, go for carcasses or wings; they’re usually cheaper and still pack a punch .

• 2 medium onions, quartered : don’t be shy about the onion. it brings sweetness and depth to your broth, i always opt for yellow onions since they give the best overall flavor when cooked down .

• 3 carrots, chopped : fresh is best here. look for firm carrots with vibrant color these will lend a nice sweetness to your broth .

• 3 celery stalks, chopped : you want crisp and fresh celery, the greener it is, the better. celery adds an earthy note that balances out the richness of the bones .

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed : garlic not only enhances flavor but also packs in some health benefits, use fresh garlic if you can; it makes all the difference.

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) : this helps extract minerals from the bones during cooking, make sure it's raw and unfiltered if you’re going for apple cider vinegar–it’s healthier.

• fresh parsley stems (optional) : these add freshness to your broth without overpowering it, plus, don’t toss those stems away; they bring great flavor.

signature seasoning blend

now let’s spice things up. a good seasoning blend elevates your bone broth from basic to brilliant :

• salt and black pepper to taste : start with a pinch of salt as you cook you can always add more later. i usually grab kosher salt because its texture works well in broths .

• consider adding bay leaves or thyme sprigs for extra herbal notes they enhance complexity in such simple ways.

smart substitutions

sometimes life gets busy or maybe you've run out of an ingredient ? no sweat; here are some handy swaps :

• if you're short on beef or chicken bones, try fish heads or shells instead. they create a lighter broth but still pack nutrients .

• got no apple cider vinegar ? white wine vinegar can do just fine in a pinch it'll help draw out flavors too.

• have dietary restrictions ? swap regular salt with sea salt or even herb - based seasonings if you're watching sodium intake.

kitchen equipment essentials

let’s talk tools because you'll need some trusty equipment by your side while whipping up this cozy concoction :

1, slow cooker : obviously the star of our show here. you can use any slow cooker size but aim for one that holds at least 6 quarts so everything fits comfortably .

1, fine mesh sieve : this is crucial when straining out solids after cooking that clear liquid is what we want.

1, large bowl or pot : to catch all that beautiful broth once strained make sure it’s big enough so things don't get messy .

1, optional but super helpful are mason jars for storage once cooled down; they make freezing easy - peasy.

pro ingredient tips

to ensure you’re getting top - notch ingredients every time :

1, when selecting bones at the butcher shop, look for ones labeled "grass - fed" if using beef it tends to be richer in nutrients .

1, always give vegetables like carrots and celery a quick rinse before chopping them up to remove any dirt clean food is happy food.

1, store leftover bones in freezer bags until ready to use they freeze beautifully without losing flavor .

1, want more bang for your buck ? buy bulk items wherever possible you’ll save money over time especially with pantry staples like herbs and spices.

so there you have it a master list packed with everything you'll need plus tips that'll steer you toward success in creating delicious homemade bone broth right from your slow cooker. happy cooking friends i can't wait to hear how yours turns out.

master chef's method : bone broth recipe in a slow cooker

creating the perfect bone broth is not just an art; it’s a labor of love that rewards you with rich flavors and numerous health benefits, here’s how to do it like a pro.

essential preparation steps

mise en place details
before you begin, gather all your ingredients, you’ll need about 4 pounds of beef or chicken bones, 2 medium onions (quartered), 3 chopped carrots, 3 chopped celery stalks, and 4 smashed garlic cloves, don’t forget the apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons will do nicely, and if you're feeling fancy, throw in some fresh parsley stems for added flavor .

prep techniques
roasting the bones can really elevate your broth's flavor. if you're using raw bones, pop them in a preheated oven at 400°f for about 30 minutes until they’re beautifully browned, this step isn’t mandatory but trust me; you'll taste the difference .

time management
gather your veggies while waiting for those bones to roast, chop those carrots and celery quickly; this shouldn’t take more than ten minutes if you've got good knives. keep everything handy by organizing your space, i always find it helps to have my slow cooker right next to my cutting board .

organization tips
having everything ready before cooking is key this means measuring out salt and pepper too. it makes the process smoother when you don't have to scramble around mid - cook looking for things .

professional cooking method

step - by - step process
once you’ve roasted the bones (if you chose that route), dump them into your slow cooker along with all veggies and herbs, pour in that apple cider vinegar it helps extract nutrients from the bones as they cook .

next up : fill your slow cooker with water until it's just shy of overflowing leave some space because things will expand as it cooks. don't forget seasoning; add salt and black pepper according to taste .

set your slow cooker on low heat you want this baby simmering gently for anywhere between 12 to 24 hours , depending on how rich you want your broth, the longer, the better.

temperature control & timing precision maintaining a low temperature is crucial here; high heat can make everything cloudy instead of clear and beautiful, for timing, aim closer toward that 24 - hour mark if possible , but even 12 hours will yield decent results if time is tight.

expert techniques

professional methods as we wait patiently for our delicious concoction to brew away, don’t forget quality checks along the way. after about twelve hours (you might be tempted.), give it a little taste test you should start noticing deep flavors emerging already.

if you're feeling adventurous or want additional umami notes, consider adding other ingredients like mushrooms or bay leaves halfway through cooking but beware not overdo it.

critical steps when it's finally time oh boy is there anything better ? strain out those solids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot or bowl that liquid gold deserves its moment.

success strategies

troubleshooting tips

sometimes things don’t go perfectly smooth in which case don't panic. if after straining you're left with something cloudy instead of clear broth a sign it wasn't cooked long enough it could mean letting it simmer longer next time could help solve this issue .

quality assurance

taste one last time before storing it should be savory yet mellow without overpowering flavors from any single ingredient popping through too much.

perfect results guide

letting cool completely before transferring into containers also helps avoid condensation which leads us right into storage tips : keep in airtight containers in fridge for up to one week or freeze portions for future use you'll thank yourself later when cravings hit.

final touches

when serving up this liquid goodness later on ? a sprinkle of fresh herbs elevates presentation and who doesn’t love an extra burst of flavor ?

and there ya go a master chef approach meets homey comfort food vibes all wrapped up in one easy - to - follow guide. happy cooking.

success guaranteed tips

when it comes to making a bone broth recipe in your slow cooker, there are some tried - and - true techniques that can up your game, first off, don’t skip the roasting step for the bones. i learned that the hard way once; my broth was good but lacked that deep flavor punch roasting really adds richness .

another pro tip ? use a variety of bones. mixing beef and chicken bones gives you a more complex flavor profile, plus, adding those odd bits like knuckles or joints can boost collagen levels, which is great for skin health .

also, don’t be shy with those veggies, the onions and garlic bring sweetness and depth; i usually toss in whatever’s left in my fridge too zucchini works surprisingly well. and remember to taste your broth before straining; sometimes it just needs a pinch more salt or pepper .

perfect presentation

okay, so bone broth isn’t exactly the most photogenic dish out there but we can totally jazz it up. when serving, pour it into nice bowls instead of just mugs (unless you're going for cozy vibes), a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds that pop of color .

for garnishing ideas, think about drizzling a little bit of chili oil or sesame oil on top it not only looks beautiful but also adds another layer of flavor, if you’re feeling fancy (or hosting), serve it with crusty bread with herbed butter on the side it makes for an elegant touch.

and hey, if you want to elevate things visually even further ? consider placing some colorful vegetables around the bowl when serving, it’s all about creating an inviting atmosphere.

storage & make - ahead

so let’s chat storage because this stuff doesn’t last forever even though it could probably survive an apocalypse. bone broth can be kept in airtight containers in your fridge for up to a week, pro tip : use mason jars but leave some headspace at the top since liquids expand when frozen .

speaking of freezing you definitely want to freeze leftover broth if you won’t use it right away, pouring them into ice cube trays is genius because then you have perfectly portioned servings at hand whenever needed.

when reheating, try using medium heat on the stove rather than microwaving; this helps maintain flavor without losing nutrients, just give it a stir every now and then to keep everything moving along nicely .

creative variations

the beauty of this bone broth recipe is its versatility. want something richer ? toss in mushrooms during cooking they add amazing umami flavors. feeling spicy ? maybe throw in some ginger alongside your garlic next time .

if you're watching carbs or following specific diets like keto or paleo, stick with just meat bones and non - starchy veggies easy peasy. seasonal twists can also make things fun : pumpkin chunks in fall lend such warmth while spring might call for asparagus tips tossed right before serving .

regionally speaking if you’re craving something different from traditional flavors try adding asian spices like star anise and soy sauce or go mediterranean with rosemary and lemon zest added towards end cooking time.

expert faq solutions

got questions ? you’re not alone. common concerns often revolve around clarity regarding how much water should fill over ingredients i say cover them generously but leave room since it'll bubble up as it cooks.

worried about cloudy broth ? that happens sometimes if you haven’t strained thoroughly but don’t fret too much; it's still tasty and who doesn't love rustic vibes anyway ?

a troubleshooting guide always helps : if yours turns out bland after cooking long hours (12 - 24.), maybe try simmering longer next batch while keeping tasting frequently until satisfied that's what i do when i'm impatiently waiting for magic to happen.

complete nutrition guide

let’s get nerdy about nutrition because this is where bone broth shines bright. it packs protein thanks to gelatin from boiled - down collagen - rich bones a huge plus if you're trying to support joint health too.

you’ll get minerals like calcium and magnesium along with essential amino acids which help repair tissues a win - win situation here folks. as far as dietary information goes : consider one cup roughly equaling 30 calories depending on what types/quantities used during preparation .

for portion guidance : 1 cup daily is excellent maintenance while those days when life gets chaotic could easily justify two cups back - to - back the healing properties will absolutely love ya back.

Previous Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Rump Roast Wonder
Next Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken & Veggies - Healthy Treat