Slow Cooker Bone Broth is more than just a warm drink; it’s a cozy hug for your soul! If you’re someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat! This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients to create a rich and nourishing broth perfect for almost any dish, or just sipping by itself. As the slow cooker does all the magic, your home fills with comforting aromas that make you feel right at home. It’s incredible how something as simple as bones, vegetables, and spices can turn into such a flavorful elixir. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want to elevate your meals, Slow Cooker Bone Broth is the answer, and it couldn’t be easier to whip up. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this broth on rotation in your kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
Slow cooker bone broth is a nourishing staple that harnesses the power of simple ingredients. By cooking slowly, it extracts rich flavors and essential nutrients from the bones and marrow, resulting in a deeply satisfying and health-boosting elixir. The long cooking time is key to breaking down collagen from the bones, which gives your broth its gorgeous richness and health benefits. The result is a deeply flavored broth that’s perfect for sipping or using in other recipes like soups, gravies, or sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Bone Broth
Not only is this slow cooker bone broth easy to prepare, but it also enhances your meals and supports overall wellness. With a few hands-off hours, you can fill your kitchen with comforting aromas while creating a versatile base for a variety of dishes. Imagine a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day or a savory sauce that makes your pasta shine. This broth does it all! You can also customize it to suit your tastes, making it a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef marrow bones
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 garlic bulb, cut in half crosswise
- 2 lbs. beef back ribs or oxtails
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 ribs of celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Water (enough to cover ingredients)
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Bone Broth
Preheat the Oven
First, set your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial as it will create a roasted depth of flavor for your broth.
Roast the Bones, Onion, and Garlic
Pat dry the beef bones using a paper towel. Spread them out in a single layer on a quarter sheet baking pan, along with the quartered onion and halved garlic. Roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until they are nicely browned. This roasting step makes a big difference, enriching the broth with deeper flavors.
Combine Veggies and Spices in the Slow Cooker
Now, grab your 6-quart slow cooker and add the cut carrots, celery, bay leaves, ginger, and black peppercorns. This mix will add layers of flavor and nutrients!
Add Roasted Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Once roasted, transfer the bones, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour enough water to cover the bones and vegetables without making the broth too watery. You want it to be rich and flavorful!
Add Seasoning and Cook
Give your mixture a good stir and add the apple cider vinegar. This secret ingredient helps draw out the nutrients. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let it cook for about 8 hours. You’ll want to check in occasionally to enjoy the tantalizing aroma filling your home.
Cool and Strain the Broth
After the cooking time is up, turn off the slow cooker and allow the broth to cool to room temperature. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into a large mixing bowl; this step will remove any solids and leave you with a smooth, flavorful liquid.
Final Touch: Skim the Fat and Store
Place the strained broth in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. As it cools, the fat will rise to the top and solidify. You can skim that off with a spoon, leaving you with a cleaner broth. Finally, transfer the broth to an airtight container, like a Mason jar. This broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions
Your slow cooker bone broth is ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as a warm, soothing drink, or use it as a base for rich soups and stews. Enhance your dishes with fresh herbs, or serve it alongside some crusty bread for a comforting meal. The versatility of this broth is one of its best features!
Tips for Success
- Always roast the bones; it’s key for flavor.
- Adjust the water level to achieve your desired broth consistency.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to create a flavor profile that speaks to you.
Variations
Switch things up by swapping beef bones for chicken bones for a lighter option. You can also add more vegetables like leeks, mushrooms, or tomatoes to deepen the flavor. Want aromatic notes? Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary to enrich the experience.
Storage Tips
Keep your slow cooker bone broth in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it in ice cube trays for easy, portion-sized uses in future recipes. This makes it super convenient to add that burst of flavor whenever you need it!
FAQs
-
Can I use different types of bones?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or turkey bones. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of bones used. -
Is it necessary to roast the bones?
Roasting enhances the flavor significantly, but it isn’t strictly necessary. If you’re short on time, you can skip it for a quicker broth. -
How do I know when the broth is done?
The broth should have a rich color and a deep aroma, indicating that the flavors have extracted well. -
Can I add herbs while cooking?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can add significant flavor. Just remember to add them toward the last few hours of cooking to avoid bitterness. -
What can I do with leftover bones?
After straining, you can compost the bones or use them to enrich your garden soil.
Crafting slow cooker bone broth is not only an approachable way to enhance your homemade cooking but also filled with wholesome benefits. This versatile recipe will nourish your body and elevate your culinary creations. Enjoy the process and let your kitchen come alive with the comforting essence of homemade broth!
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Slow Cooker Bone Broth
Slow Cooker Bone Broth is a nourishing staple that enhances your meals while supporting wellness. With simple ingredients and an easy prep process, this broth offers rich flavor and health benefits, making it ideal for sipping or as a base for a variety of dishes.
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6-8 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef marrow bones
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 garlic bulb, cut in half crosswise
- 2 lbs. beef back ribs or oxtails
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 ribs of celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3–4 bay leaves
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Water (enough to cover ingredients)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roast bones, onion, and garlic for 45 minutes until browned.
- In the slow cooker, add carrots, celery, bay leaves, ginger, and black peppercorns.
- Transfer roasted ingredients to the slow cooker and add enough water to cover.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar, cover, and cook on low for about 8 hours.
- After cooking, cool the broth to room temperature and strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- Refrigerate to skim fat from the top, then store in an airtight container.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Always roast the bones for better flavor.
Adjust water levels to achieve desired broth thickness.
Experiment with different spices and herbs for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soups & Broths
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
