The EASIEST Slow Cook Bone Broth Recipe!

Bone broth has been a staple in traditional diets for centuries, revered for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits. From supporting gut health and joint function to boosting immunity and enhancing skin elasticity, this nutrient-dense elixir is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. While making bone broth might sound intimidating, our simple guide to the slow cook bone broth recipe will demystify the process, making it incredibly accessible for anyone.

Why Make Your Own Bone Broth?

Store-bought bone broths, while convenient, often lack the gelatinous texture and concentrated nutrients of homemade versions. Crafting your own allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring no unwanted additives or preservatives. The slow cooking process is crucial, as it gently extracts collagen, gelatin, and a plethora of minerals from the bones, creating a truly therapeutic food.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

The slow cooker is your best friend when it comes to bone broth. Its consistent, low heat provides the ideal environment for a long simmer, breaking down connective tissues and releasing all the goodness from the bones. This hands-off approach makes it incredibly easy to fit into a busy schedule, letting the appliance do all the hard work while you go about your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2-3 lbs mixed beef bones (marrow bones, knuckle bones, oxtail, or a mix from grass-fed sources are best)
• 1-2 lbs chicken carcasses or feet (optional, but great for added gelatin)
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• Cold filtered water (enough to cover ingredients)
• Salt to taste (add after cooking)

Step-by-Step: Your Easy Slow Cook Bone Broth Recipe

Preparation

• Roast Bones (Optional, but Recommended for Flavor): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread bones on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until nicely browned. This step deepens the flavor of your broth significantly.

Assembling Your Slow Cooker

• Carefully transfer the roasted bones (if used) or raw bones into your slow cooker.
• Add the chopped celery, carrots, onion, smashed garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf.
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar. This acidity helps pull minerals from the bones.
• Fill the slow cooker with cold filtered water, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged. Leave about an inch of space from the top.

The Slow Cooking Process

• Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting.
• Cook for a minimum of 12 hours, up to 24-48 hours. The longer the cook time on low, the more nutrients and gelatin will be extracted.
• Periodically, you may see foam or scum rise to the surface. Skim this off with a spoon if desired, especially during the first few hours.

Straining and Storing

• Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker.
• Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth into a large heat-proof bowl or containers. Discard the bones and vegetables.
• Allow the broth to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. As it cools, a layer of fat will solidify on top. You can scoop this off and discard it, or leave it for added flavor and beneficial fats.
• Your homemade bone broth should be gelatinous, especially if you used good quality bones.

Tips for the Perfect Batch

• Quality Bones Matter: Source bones from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals for the best nutrient profile.
• Don’t Skimp on ACV: The apple cider vinegar is key to mineral extraction, but you won’t taste it in the final product.
• Chill for a Fat Cap: Refrigerating the broth allows a protective fat layer to form, which can help preserve the broth longer and is easy to remove.

Enjoying Your Homemade Bone Broth

Once cooled, store your bone broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, or freeze it for up to several months. Use it as a nourishing base for soups, stews, and sauces, or simply warm a mug and sip it on its own for a comforting and healing tonic. This simple slow cook bone broth recipe transforms humble ingredients into a culinary and wellness marvel.

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Embrace the journey of health and wellness with this invaluable slow cook bone broth recipe. It’s an easy, rewarding way to bring profound nutrition into your daily routine. Enjoy the richness and restorative power of your homemade elixir!

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