beef bone broth

Beef Bone Broth Recipe

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Beef Bone Broth Recipe: A Nutritious, Flavorful Base for Soups and More

Beef bone broth has become a staple for health enthusiasts and food lovers alike, known for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, improve joint health, or simply enhance the flavor of soups, stews, and sauces, beef bone broth is a versatile, nutrient-packed solution. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into how to make beef bone broth, its benefits, and ways to incorporate it into your daily diet.

Why Make Beef Bone Broth?

Beef bones roasting in the oven

Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissues over a long period, which helps extract valuable nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals. Here are some key benefits:

  • Rich in Nutrients: Packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, beef bone broth is a nutrient powerhouse.
  • Collagen Support: Helps promote healthy skin, hair, and nails while supporting joint health.
  • Gut Health: The gelatin in bone broth aids digestion and can help heal the lining of your gut.
  • Immune Boost: Bone broth contains immune-supportive nutrients that can help combat illness.
  • Delicious Flavor: Adds depth and richness to soups, stews, and even as a base for sauces.

Choosing the Right Bones

Simmering beef bone broth

For a perfect beef bone broth, selecting the right bones is crucial. Here are the types of bones you should aim for:

  1. Marrow Bones: These bones, such as femur or shin bones, contain marrow, which adds richness to the broth.
  2. Knuckle Bones: Full of connective tissues, knuckle bones offer a high collagen content, which results in a gelatinous, nutritious broth.
  3. Oxtail: Though pricier, oxtail provides a deep flavor and an extra dose of gelatin.
  4. Neck Bones: These smaller bones are excellent for additional flavor and collagen.

Ask your local butcher for a mix of marrow bones and knuckles to maximize flavor and nutrients in your broth.

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Beef Bone Broth Recipe

Straining the broth

Here is a detailed recipe that will guide you in making a rich and nutritious beef bone broth.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lbs beef bones (a mix of marrow, knuckles, oxtail, or neck bones)
  • 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 5 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 10-12 black peppercorns
  • Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 16-18 cups of water

Instructions:

  1. Roast the Bones (Optional but Recommended)
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30-45 minutes, turning them halfway through. Roasting deepens the flavor of the broth.
  1. Prepare the Vegetables
  • While the bones roast, chop the carrots, celery, and onions into large chunks. No need to peel them, as you’ll be straining the broth later. The vegetables will add depth and sweetness to the broth.
  1. Simmer the Bones
  • Transfer the roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, peppercorns, and fresh herbs if using. Pour in enough water to cover the bones and vegetables (around 16-18 cups).
  1. Cook the Broth
  • Stovetop Method: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it simmers, the more nutrients and flavor will be extracted.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Set your slow cooker on low and let it cook for 24-48 hours. Make sure to skim off any foam or scum that rises to the top during the first hour of simmering. This helps to clarify the broth.
  1. Strain and Store
  • After cooking, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or bowl. Discard the bones and vegetables.
  • Let the broth cool at room temperature before storing it in glass jars or airtight containers. You can keep the broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for several months.
  1. Degrease the Broth
  • Once cooled, you’ll notice a layer of fat harden on the top of the broth. You can either skim it off or leave some for added richness.

Ways to Use Beef Bone Broth

Finished beef bone broth in glass jars

Once you have your homemade beef bone broth, there are countless ways to enjoy it:

  • Drink It on Its Own: Many people enjoy sipping warm bone broth as a nutrient-rich, low-calorie snack.
  • Soup Base: Use it as a base for beef stews, vegetable soups, or French onion soup.
  • Sauces and Gravies: Bone broth can replace stock in sauces and gravies, adding more depth and flavor.
  • Cooking Grains: Substitute water with bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous to enhance the taste.
  • In Smoothies: Some adventurous eaters add bone broth to smoothies for an extra collagen boost.

Nutritional Profile of Beef Bone Broth

Serving beef bone broth in a cup

While the nutritional content of beef bone broth varies depending on the bones used and how long it’s simmered, here’s a rough estimate of its nutrient content per cup:

  • Calories: 30-50
  • Protein: 6-12 grams (depending on collagen content)
  • Fat: 0-5 grams
  • Minerals: Trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus

Tips for Perfect Beef Bone Broth

  • Use Filtered Water: Since you’re simmering for a long time, using filtered water will ensure the cleanest, purest broth.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Don’t skip the vinegar—it helps draw out minerals from the bones.
  • Longer Simmer Time: While 12 hours can give you a decent broth, simmering for 24-48 hours maximizes nutrient extraction.
  • Avoid High Heat: Boiling can result in a cloudy broth. Simmering slowly over low heat creates a clearer, more refined broth.
  • Store Leftovers: Freeze the broth in ice cube trays to have small portions on hand for recipes or quick sips.

Health Benefits of Beef Bone Broth

1. Joint Health

The collagen extracted from bones helps support cartilage health, promoting joint function and reducing the risk of osteoarthritis. Amino acids like proline and glycine in bone broth also support tissue repair.

2. Gut Health

Gelatin from the bones helps repair the gut lining and can be beneficial for people with leaky gut or inflammatory bowel conditions. It helps maintain a healthy digestive tract by attracting and holding digestive juices.

3. Immune System Support

The minerals in beef bone broth support immune function. Regular consumption, especially during cold and flu season, can help ward off illness.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Bone broth contains amino acids like glycine and arginine, which have anti-inflammatory effects, helping reduce chronic inflammation in the body.

How to Incorporate Bone Broth Into a Balanced Diet

To reap the benefits of bone broth, aim to incorporate it into your meals regularly. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Weekly Meal Prep: Batch cook bone broth and use it as a base for your week’s meals, like soups and sauces.
  • Post-Workout Recovery: Sip bone broth after intense workouts to support joint recovery and replenish electrolytes.
  • Replace Store-Bought Stock: Swap out processed, sodium-heavy stocks or broths with homemade bone broth in all your recipes.

Final Thoughts

Making your own beef bone broth may require a bit of patience, but the rewards are immense. Not only is it a cost-effective way to use leftover bones, but it also provides your body with essential nutrients that are hard to find in other foods. Whether you’re enjoying a warm cup of broth on a cold day or using it as a base for your favorite soup, beef bone broth is a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.

Enjoy the benefits of homemade beef bone broth and start incorporating this powerful health elixir into your routine today!

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