Making beef broth from bones is a frugal and healthy cooking technique that more home cooks should adopt. Simmering beef bones transforms them into a mineral-rich broth that forms the base for nourishing soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. This flavorful liquid takes ordinary dishes to new heights while stretching your grocery budget.
I’ve been making my own beef broth for years and want to share everything I’ve learned. Read on to discover the benefits of homemade beef bone broth, my step-by-step process, tips for maximizing nutrition, and how to store broth for lasting freshness.
Why Make Your Own Beef Broth?
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Save money Homemade broth costs just pennies per cup compared to store-bought broths.
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Control ingredients. When you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s in the broth. No mystery flavors or additives.
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Maximize nutrition. Simmering bones releases health-promoting minerals like calcium magnesium phosphorus, and potassium. Store-bought broths just can’t compare.
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Enhance flavor. The long cooking time extracts a rich, meaty essence you can’t replicate with broth powders or bases. Soups and stews gain incredible depth of flavor.
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Use the whole animal Don’t waste those beef bones! Transform them into liquid gold with this simple cooking technique
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow my easy method to make beef bone broth at home:
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs beef bones (marrow, knuckle, oxtail, shank, etc.)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 head garlic, halved
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- Water to cover bones
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Place beef bones on a rimmed baking sheet.
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Roast bones for 30 minutes. This browns the bones and enhances flavor. Pour pan drippings into a 6-8 quart pot.
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Add veggies, garlic, bay leaves, vinegar, and salt. Cover with 12-14 cups water.
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Simmer for 24 hours. Keep at a bare simmer, skimming foam as needed. Add water if needed to keep bones submerged.
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Strain broth through a mesh strainer. Discard solids. Let broth cool before storing.
That’s all it takes! The long cooking time extracts nutrients and builds deep beefy flavor.
Tips for Maximizing Nutrition
Follow these tips to get the most nutrition from your homemade beef broth:
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Mix marrow-rich and meaty bones like knuckles, oxtail, and shank.
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Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to help extract minerals from the bones.
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Simmer for at least 12 hours, or up to 48 hours for maximum extraction.
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Use a variety of vegetables like onions, carrots, and mushrooms.
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Toss in fresh parsley or thyme at the end for vitamin C.
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Add eggshells for extra calcium. Just rinse shells, dry, and add to pot.
Storing Your Beef Bone Broth
Properly stored, homemade beef broth will keep in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 6 months.
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Let cool completely before refrigerating. Skim off any hardened fat before use.
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Freeze broth in jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Or use ice cube trays and transfer to bags once frozen.
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For maximum shelf life, portion into servings and freeze. Thaw only what you need.
Putting Your Beef Broth to Use
Homemade beef broth is the perfect base for:
- Beef stew or pot roast
- Hearty vegetable or bean soups
- Risotto or rice pilaf
- Gravy for roasts or mashed potatoes
- Beef and barley soup
- Braising tough cuts of meat
- Cooking grains like farro or quinoa
- Deglazing pans for savory sauce
The possibilities are endless! Use your broth anywhere you’d typically use water or store-bought broth. The flavor and nutrition can’t be beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bones work best?
Marrow-rich bones like knuckle, oxtail, and shank provide the most collagen, gelatin, and minerals. You can also use meatier bones like short ribs or bone-in chuck roast.
Is it safe to use raw bones?
Absolutely. The long cooking time kills any bacteria, making it safe. Roasting bones adds flavor but isn’t required for safety.
Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes, just cook on high pressure for 2-3 hours. Quick release pressure and strain as usual.
How much broth does 1 pound of bones yield?
Expect ~1 quart of broth per 1 pound of bones. The exact amount can vary based on cooking time.
Can I freeze broth in plastic bags?
Freezing in plastic bags works well, just lay bags flat in the freezer. This prevents breakage.
Satisfying and Nutritious Beef Broth
As you can see, making beef bone broth is an easy, budget-friendly way to enjoy nutritious, flavorsome broth. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover just how much better dishes taste when made with real bone broth. Keep a batch on hand to elevate all your cooking any time a recipe calls for broth.
