Today is ‘2025-06-25 01:20:11.971954’, and if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both hearty and hassle-free, you’ve hit the jackpot. This beef soup bones recipe crock pot is your ticket to a flavorful, comforting meal with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
- Slow cooking breaks down the beef bones, releasing deep, rich flavors into the broth.
- Using a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days.
- The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a balanced and nutritious meal.
- It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef soup bones
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 6 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- Crock pot
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion, slicing your carrots and celery, and mincing your garlic. This prep work ensures everything cooks evenly and saves you time later. Tip: Prepping your veggies the night before can make your morning even easier.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Bones
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef bones on all sides. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it adds an extra layer of flavor to your soup. Tip: Don’t skip this step if you have the time; the caramelization adds depth to the broth.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
Place the browned beef bones, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and water into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine. Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip browning the bones and just throw everything in the crock pot.
Step 4: Cook on Low for 8 Hours
Set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for 8 hours. The long, slow cooking time ensures the beef bones release all their flavor into the broth.
Step 5: Season and Serve
After 8 hours, taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the beef bones before serving, or leave them in for a more rustic presentation.
Tips and Tricks
For an even richer flavor, you can roast the beef bones in the oven before adding them to the crock pot. This step adds a deeper color and taste to your soup. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the soup on high for 4 hours instead of low for 8, but the flavor won’t be as developed. Adding a splash of vinegar to the water can help extract more minerals from the bones, making the soup even more nutritious. For a clearer broth, skim off any foam that rises to the top during the first hour of cooking. Finally, don’t forget to remove the marrow from the bones after cooking; it’s a delicious and nutritious addition to the soup.
Recipe Variations
- Add potatoes or barley for a heartier soup.
- Use different herbs like bay leaves or parsley for a new flavor profile.
- For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeno or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute beef bones with chicken or pork bones for a different taste.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a slightly acidic and rich flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Brown the bones using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes. The result will be similar, though the flavor might not be as deep as with slow cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. The soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Can I use frozen beef bones?
Yes, frozen beef bones can be used directly in the crock pot without thawing. Just add a bit more cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and have released all their flavor into the broth.
Summary
This beef soup bones recipe crock pot is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a hearty and comforting soup.