Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (2024)

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Bone broth is an important part of any gut-healing diet and is recognized worldwide for its nutrient-dense properties! Learn how to make bone broth today with this easy bone broth recipe!

Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (1)

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Bone Broth

Whether you are doing an intense gut-healing diet like G.A.P.S. or you are just wanting to add more nutrient-rich foods to your diet, bone broth should be a big part of your meal plan!

In this post, you will learn more about bone broth, its nutritional and healing benefits, how to make it, how to use it, how to store it, and more!

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is an intensely nutritious food made from meat bones. Bone broth is cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time, usually 8-48 hours, depending on the desired intensity.

It is important to note, that while bone broth is great on the GAPS diet, the Intro Diet starts out with stock, as it's easier on the system. Then you can work up to bone broth over time.

What's the Difference Between Broth, Stock, and Bone Broth?

You may hear the terms broth, stock, and bone broth all used interchangeably. And while they are created in generally the same way (water, meat/bones, and seasonings) they do have some fundamental differences you should know about.

Broth: Broth is the quickest of the three to make and is generally made with meat and can contain a small amount of bones. For example, when you boil a whole chicken you are making broth. A fast process, broth is typically simmered on low to medium heat for about 45 minutes to 2 hours. Unlike the next 2, broth has a light flavor, and thin texture, and can be hidden easily in other dishes.

Broth is also a rich source of protein.

Stock: Stock is made with bones that have a little bit of meat still on them. These are often referred to as soup bones, joint bones, or marrow bones.

Often the bones are roasted or soaked in apple cider vinegar water before simmering them as this greatly improves the flavor. Stock is generally only simmered for a moderate amount of time (3 to 4 hours). Additionally, stock is a good source of gelatin and protein.

Bone Broth: Bone broth is generally made with the same type of bones as stock; bones that have a little bit of meat still on them.

Just like with stock, bones are typically roasted or soaked first to enhance the flavor of the finished bone broth. However, unlike stock, bone broth is cooked the longest of the three and is typically simmered over low heat for somewhere between 8 and 24+ hours. The reason for such a long cook time is to release trace minerals from the bones, as well as to create a thick gelatin, marrow, and collagen rich bone broth.

Note: To fully remove the marrow from the bones once the bone broth is finished cooking, gently tap the bones on the side of the pot and the marrow should just fall out!

You can leave the marrow in the bone broth for consumption that way, or you can remove it and serve it separately. Some people like to blend it up and then mix it in with soups for an easier time eating it.

Bone Broth Benefits

Bone broths are a wonderful source for both minerals and proteins that your body needs to support healing and normal functions. Such as glycine which supports the process of detoxification and digestion - it is also needed for your body to produce hemoglobin, bile salts, and other important chemicals the body needs to function properly.

Bone broth is also an important source of gelatin which can support skin and joint health. Because gelatin is also a big help in the digestive health of your body, it's easy to see why it's a foundational requirement of many gut-healing diets!

Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (2)

Bone Broth Recipes: How to Make Bone Broth

There are a few different ways to make bone broth; in a stock pot on the stove or in a crockpot. You can even make bone broth in an Instant Pot! There is also a printable recipe at the end of this post.

Beef Bone Broth

Beef bone broth is what we make most often, and the directions for how to make beef bone broth are very simple!

  • Soak - Add 2-3 pounds of beef bones to a large stock pot and cover them with water. Then add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This helps the bones release vital nutrients during the cooking process.
  • Season - Add high-quality salt, peppercorns, and fresh garlic to taste.
  • Simmer - Let the bones sit in the water without heat for 30-60 minutes. Then bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer (covered) for 8-10 hours. You can simmer for up to 36 hours, adding more water as needed.
  • Release - If you cooked the bones long enough to release the marrow, knock the bones on the side of a bowl WHILE STILL HOT to release all the marrow.
  • Cool - After cooking, remove the bones and let them cool. Once cooled, you can freeze them for a second use (if you cooked them for only 8 hours), or you can then throw them away.
  • Strain - Strain the stock to remove peppers and any bone fragments that may have broken off during the cooking process.
  • Store - Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.

Chicken Bone Broth

The process of making chicken bone broth is very similar to that of making beef broth. We like to roast a whole chicken in the oven, strip the meat, and use the bones for bone broth.

  • Soak - Once you have the chicken bones from a whole chicken (or you can use chicken feet, or a combination of the two), place them in a large stock pot, cover them with water, and add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
  • Simmer - Bring the water to a boil, reduce to a low simmer, and simmer for 8-10 hours. Again, you can simmer for up to 36 hours, adding more water as needed.
  • Strain - Once you've simmered the chicken bone broth as long as you'd like, strain the broth into a container to remove the bones. Discard the bones as desired.
  • Store - Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.

Instant Pot Bone Broth

While slow cooking of bone broth is important for gut healing, if you're just making bone broth for cooking you can make it in an instant pot easily!

Follow the directions above for stove top bone broth of your choice, but set the Instant Pot to "soup", low pressure, and 120 cook time.

Please note: Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you may need to cut the recipe in half. So you would use only 1 pound of bones and only 8 cups of water.

Once cook time has been completed, be sure to let the Instant Pot depressurize naturally. Then process the bone broth as desired.

Crockpot Bone Broth

If you need to "set it and forget it" for a while, a slow cooker or crockpot bone broth is a great way to have homemade bone broth without the worry of making it on the stovetop!

Please note: Depending on the size of your Crockpot, you may need to cut the recipe in half. So you would use only 1 pound of bones and only 8 cups of water.

Follow the directions above for stove top bone broth of your choice, but set the crockpot to low and cook for 18 - 72 hours.

Strain and store the broth as indicated in the steps above.

Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (3)

Storing Bone Broth

To properly store homemade bone broth, follow these steps to maintain its freshness and quality.

  1. Strain - Strain the bone broth to remove any particles that may have broken loose during the cooking process.
  2. Cool - Allow the bone broth to cool completely before storing it. Leaving it at room temperature for an hour or two is advisable.
  3. Portion - Use appropriate storage containers. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work best to prevent leaks and maintain flavor. Portion the broth into smaller jars (wide-mouth pint jars work really well). This allows you to thaw and use only the amount needed without repeatedly exposing the entire batch to air and potential contaminants.
  4. Label - Label the jars with the date of preparation to track their freshness.
  5. Store - Store the bone broth in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, freeze it.
  6. Freeze - If freezing, leave about an inch of space at the top of the container as the liquid expands when frozen.
  7. Thaw - When ready to use, thaw frozen bone broth in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (4)

How to Use Bone Broth

This bone broth makes a delicious base for any soup. Just add the meat and veggies of your choice and enjoy!

Here are a few soup recipes to get you started:

You can also use bone broth to make everyday recipes even more rich and delicious! For any savory dish where you would use water, try bone broth instead for a healthy (and delicious) boost!

Here are a few of our favorite ways to use bone broth every day:

  • Homemade Stuffing
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Super Easy Homemade Chili

Bone Broth FAQs

Can you tell me where to buy bone broth?

Bone broth is available both online and in many local grocery stores. However, the heating process that bone broth undergoes to make it shelf stable damages the nutrition and protein within the bone broth, making it much less healing than homemade.

Can I freeze my bone broth?

Yes! We have had the same wonderful healing results from frozen and gently reheated bone broth as we have from drinking it fresh!

Be sure to choose your glass containers carefully as some may shatter during the thawing process. That will not only ruin the container, but it will also ruin your bone broth!

How long does bone broth last in the fridge?

We use ours within 2 weeks, as long as there is a fat layer on top to protect it from the air. If you want to make a larger batch but know that you won't use it all that quickly, you can freeze it until you need it later.

How do I thaw frozen bone broth?

Since we store ours in glass jars, we simply take a jar out of the freezer the night before we need it and place it in the fridge in the warmest part. This is usually the bottom shelf or the door. By the next day, it's thawed and ready to reheat on the stove!

Can I microwave bone broth?

No! This will destroy all the benefits of the bone broth. Only heat your bone broth on the stovetop.

To do so, place your desired amount into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to help melt the fat. Once you start to see steam rising from the broth, it's ready to drink!

How can I take bone broth with me to work?

Since you can't use the microwave to heat the broth once you are at work, the best solution is to heat it in the morning to boiling, then pour it into a thermos for eating later on.

While the broth will lose some of its heat as the day goes on, it should still be very warm if you use a good-quality thermos!

Can I give bone broth to my dog?

Yes! Bone broth that has been strained (so there are no small bones) is a wonderful and healthy addition to your dog's diet!

We like to give grain-free dry dog food with a cup of bone broth on top to our dogs. It creates a really nutrient-dense meal for them and helps with their joint health as well!

Even More Homemade Recipes

Looking for more healthy and delicious recipes to share with your family? Here are a few of our favorites, from our kitchen to yours!

  • How to Cook a Frozen Chicken
  • Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins
  • Homemade Mayo

Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (5)

Homemade Bone Broth

Bone broth is an important part of any gut-healing diet and is recognized worldwide for its nutrient-dense properties! Learn how to make bone broth today with this easy bone broth recipe!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: ingredient, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beef bone broth, bone broth, bone broth recipe, how to make bone broth

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 cups

Calories: 33kcal

Cost: $15

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bones of choice (chicken or beef)
  • 1 gallon filtered water
  • 1 tbsp apple cidar vinegar
  • seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, garlic...)

Instructions

Bone Broth (Stovetop)

  • Add bones to a large stock pot and cover them with water. Then add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This helps the bones release vital nutrients during the cooking process.

  • Add high-quality salt, peppercorns, and fresh garlic to taste.

  • Let the bones sit in the water without heat for 30-60 minutes. Then bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer (covered) for 8-10 hours. You can simmer for up to 36 hours, adding more water as needed.

  • If you cooked the bones long enough to release the marrow, knock the bones on the side of a bowl WHILE STILL HOT to release all the marrow.

  • After cooking, remove the bones and let them cool. Once cooled, you can freeze them for a second use (if you cooked them for only 8 hours), or you can then throw them away.

  • Strain the stock to remove peppers and any bone fragments that may have broken off during the cooking process.

  • Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.

Instant Pot Bone Broth:

  • Follow the directions above for stove top bone broth of your choice, but set the Instant Pot to "soup", low pressure, and 120 cook time.

  • Please note: Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you may need to cut the recipe in half. So you would use only 1 pound of bones and only 8 cups of water.

  • Once cook time has been completed, be sure to let the Instant Pot depressurize naturally. Then process the bone broth as desired.

Crockpot Bone Broth:

  • Please note: Depending on the size of your Crockpot, you may need to cut the recipe in half. So you would use only 1 pound of bones and only 8 cups of water.

  • Follow the directions above for stove top bone broth of your choice, but set the crockpot to low and cook for 18 - 72 hours.

  • Strain and store the broth as indicated in the steps above.

Notes

Storing Bone Broth

To properly store homemade bone broth, follow these steps to maintain its freshness and quality.

  1. Strain -Strain the bone broth to remove any particles that may have broken loose during the cooking process.
  2. Cool -Allow the bone broth to cool completely before storing it. Leaving it at room temperature for an hour or two is advisable.
  3. Portion -Use appropriate storage containers. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work best to prevent leaks and maintain flavor. Portion the broth into smaller jars (wide-mouth pint jars work really well). This allows you to thaw and use only the amount needed without repeatedly exposing the entire batch to air and potential contaminants.
  4. Label -Label the jars with the date of preparation to track their freshness.
  5. Store -Store the bone broth in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, freeze it.
  6. Freeze -If freezing, leave about an inch of space at the top of the container as the liquid expands when frozen.
  7. Thaw -When ready to use, thaw frozen bone broth in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.

Can I microwave bone broth?

No! This will destroy all the benefits of the bone broth. Only heat your bone broth on the stovetop.

To do so, place your desired amount into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to help melt the fat. Once you start to see steam rising from the broth, it's ready to drink!

How can I take bone broth with me to work?

Since you can't use the microwave to heat the broth once you are at work, the best solution is to heat it in the morning to boiling, then pour it into a thermos for eating later on.

While the broth will lose some of its heat as the day goes on, it should still be very warm if you use a good-quality thermos!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Bone Broth

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 33

% Daily Value*

Sodium 90mg4%

Protein 9g18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?Mention @AModHomestead or tag ##amodernhomestead!

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Comments

  1. Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (7)Tina Maskowski says

    Thank you for this very informative article. I wanted to know how helpful it is for kids to consume it.

    Reply

    • Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (8)Victoria says

      We have found it very useful for our son as he healed from gut issues that were created after medical issues during his first week of life on the outside of the womb. We make soups with it, or cook heritage grains (after soaking) in the broth to help him be more willing to consume it.

      Reply

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Easy Bone Broth Recipe (Beef or Chicken!) (2024)

FAQs

Can I mix chicken and beef bones for bone broth? ›

Bones for bone broth: You can use any mix of beef, pork, or chicken bones for making bone broth. Adding some meaty bones, like short ribs or ham bones, will make a richer-tasting broth; you can also use the meat from the bones in other dishes. Filtered water: We used filtered water for more neutral testing.

Which is better for bone broth chicken or beef? ›

“While beef bone broth and chicken bone broth are healthful, beef bone broth has more collagen per serving. It is also better for gut health, for immunity, for sleep, and for mood. And it's better for skin and nails,” Schiff says.

What are the best bones to use for homemade bone broth? ›

To add nutritional value, use a variety of bones: marrow bones, oxtail, knuckles, and feet. Adding vinegar is important because it helps pull all of the valuable nutrients out of the bones and into the water, which is ultimately what you will be consuming.

What is the best choice for bone broth? ›

That's mostly because the collagen in bone broth isn't so bioavailable.
  • Best Overall: FOND Certified Organic Chicken Bone Broth. ...
  • Best for Sipping: Swanson Sipping Chicken Bone Broth. ...
  • Best Lower Sodium: Pacific Foods Chicken Bone Broth. ...
  • Best Budget: Zoup Good, Really Good Chicken Bone Broth.
Apr 28, 2024

Can you simmer bone broth too long? ›

Even though the bone broth is still nutritious, you know you want that collagen too amiright? Over-boiling is the sure way to kill off the gelatin, so take care not to.

How many times can you reuse bones for bone broth? ›

Any flavor that does still exist will also become increasingly unbalanced. I would imagine chicken bones would be similar, although, since they are smaller, the first batch may be more effective than 20%. You can use chicken bones to make broth only once, all the goodness gets cooked out of them the first use.

What is the downside of bone broth? ›

While bone broth is generally considered safe to consume, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Lead contamination. Some studies show elevated levels of lead in bone broths, which can be harmful to health if consumed in large amounts. Bacterial contamination.

Can you drink too much bone broth? ›

These include the risk of consuming too many heavy metals, which can seep into the broth from the animal bones during the cooking process. To avoid this, Wohlford says to avoid consuming large amounts of bone broth. Instead, stick to the recommended serving of 1 cup, or 8 ounces, of bone broth a day.

Which bone broth is best for gut health? ›

You can use either chicken or beef bone broth for nutritional benefits. However, beef is better known for its ability to recharge the gut, while chicken bone broth is often recommended for skin health. Although bone broth may have remarkable benefits, it's often not a one-shot solution for totally healing your gut.

What should you not put in bone broth? ›

However, do not add onions, carrots, celery or herbs to your initial pot of simmering bone broth. Instead, enjoy the pure, rich flavor that comes from just the bones, fat, connective tissue and any small amount of meat that may still be on the bones; it is not something that needs or wants amending.

How long should you boil bone broth? ›

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for at least 10-12 hours, or until reduced by 1/3 or 1/2, leaving you with 6-8 cups of bone broth. The more it reduces, the more intense the flavor becomes and the more collagen is extracted. We find 12 hours to be the perfect cook time.

What are the cheapest bones to make bone broth? ›

Also, beef bones (sometimes labeled as soup bones at your butcher) are super cheap. This is such an affordable way to get vital minerals, nutrients, and protein into your family. I can't afford more than about 1 whole chicken per week or so, and I use the bones up as good as I can for making chicken bone broth.

Is Swanson bone broth real bone broth? ›

Swanson® Chicken Bone Broth is crafted from real chicken bones and the perfect mixture of vegetables and herbs. Elevate your dishes with the full-bodied flavor from naturally-occurring collagen protein* or heat and sip as a warm beverage as an alternative to other hot drinks.

Which bone broth has the most collagen? ›

Beef has more collagen per gram of protein

Beef bone broth also has slightly more glycine and proline. These are two amino acids that make up collagen, along with hydroxyproline and arginine. Chicken broth still has collagen, however it is around 10% less per serving than beef.

Is boxed bone broth good for you? ›

The bones used to make commercial broth may contain high levels of heavy metals, which could make their way into the broth. However, homemade or store-bought bone broth levels are very low and unlikely to cause health problems.

Can you mix animal bones for stock? ›

Start with good bones. This can be beef, pork, chicken, lamb and, don't forget the fish or shellfish! You can use just one or a mix of any but for this recipe we're focusing on beef.

Can you make beef and chicken stock? ›

Roast the beef bones for 20 minutes in an oven preheated at 400F. Spoon marrow out. Add chicken and beef bones, 1st broth, vegetables and the apple cider vinegar to the slow cooker and add water to cover the bones by about an inch. Let the mixture sit for 30-60 minutes without turning on the heat.

Can you mix chicken and beef? ›

In short, yes. Chicken and steak or other cuts of beef can, in fact, be marinated together. Whether or not that's recommended is another question. When marinating meat together, the flavor of beef may become present in your chicken.

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