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Beef Bone Broth

This homemade beef bone broth is a kitchen essential, offering a deep, savoury depth that shop-bought versions simply cannot match. By roasting marrow bones, oxtail and aromatic root vegetables before simmering, you create a complex base that is as comforting to drink on its own as it is useful for deglazing pans or enriching stews. The addition of cider vinegar helps to extract the maximum nutrients and collagen, resulting in a silkier texture and a more robust nutritional profile.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this broth is naturally low in carbohydrates and provides a satisfying, protein-rich base for various meals. It is an excellent way to use up leftover vegetable trimmings while creating a versatile ingredient that freezes beautifully. Whether you prefer the long, slow simmer on the hob or the convenience of a slow cooker, the resulting golden liquid is a true staple for healthy, flavourful home cooking.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Beef Bone Broth

  • 1.8kg beef bones, preferably a mix of marrow bones and bones with a little meat on them, such as oxtail, short ribs, or knuckle bones (cut in half by a butcher)

  • 2 medium unpeeled carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 1 medium leek, end trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 1 medium onion, quartered

  • 1 garlic head, halved crosswise

  • 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns

  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

  • 6-quart (or larger) stockpot or a large slow cooker

How to make Beef Bone Broth

Preheat oven to 232°C. Place beef bones, carrots, leek, onion, and garlic on a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Toss the contents of the pan and continue to roast until deeply browned, about 20 minutes more.

Fill a large (at least 6-quart) stockpot with 2875ml water (preferably filtered) . Add celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, and vinegar. Scrape the roasted bones and vegetables into the pot along with any juices. Add more water if necessary to cover bones and vegetables.

Cover the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a very low simmer and cook with lid slightly ajar, skimming foam and excess fat occasionally, for at least 8 but up to 24 hours on the stovetop. (Do not leave on stovetop unattended, simply cool and continue simmering the next day.) The longer you simmer it, the better your broth will be. Add more water if necessary to ensure bones and vegetables are fully submerged. Alternately, you can cook the broth in a slow cooker on low for the same amount of time.

Remove the pot from the heat and let cool slightly. Strain broth using a fine-mesh sieve and discard bones and vegetables. Let continue to cool until barely warm, then refrigerate in smaller containers overnight. Remove solidified fat from the top of the chilled broth.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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