Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth Recipe
Introduction
This slow cooker beef bone broth is a nourishing and flavorful base perfect for soups, stews, or sipping on its own. Using simple ingredients and a long, slow cook, it extracts rich flavors and nutrients from the bones for a healthy, comforting broth.

Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs. beef bones
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half
- 2 carrots, cut into pieces
- 2 celery ribs, cut into pieces
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups water
- 2 tsp. grated ginger
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt (add to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to broil. Place the beef bones on a sheet pan and brown them under the broiler for about 5 minutes on each side, depending on their proximity to the heat. This enhances the flavor of the broth.
- Step 2: Transfer the browned bones to the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, and water.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 12 hours or longer if desired, allowing the flavors and nutrients to fully develop.
- Step 4: Place a strainer over a large bowl and ladle the broth through it, discarding the bones and vegetables. Press the vegetables to extract their juices.
- Step 5: Stir in the grated ginger, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Serve the broth immediately or refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Skim off any fat if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use roasted or raw bones depending on the flavor depth you prefer; roasting adds extra richness.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley for additional aroma.
- To reduce fat, chill the broth after cooking so the fat solidifies on top and can be easily removed.
- For a clearer broth, strain twice through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
Storage
Store the broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently to preserve flavor and nutrients, and skim off any fat that rises to the surface.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different bones for this broth?
Yes, you can use marrow bones, joint bones, or a mix of different beef bones. Each type will add unique flavors and nutrients to your broth.
Is it necessary to brown the bones before slow cooking?
While not required, browning the bones under the broiler adds a deeper, roasted flavor to the broth, making it more robust and rich.
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Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth Recipe
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings (1 cup each) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth recipe creates a rich, nourishing broth infused with deep flavors from roasted beef bones, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of ginger and lemon. Perfect as a comforting base for soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own, this easy slow-cooked broth supports wellness and provides a hearty, savory taste.
Ingredients
Beef Bones and Broth Base
- 3–4 lbs. beef bones
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half
- 2 carrots, cut into pieces
- 2 celery ribs, cut into pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups water
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Seasoning
- 2 tsp. grated ginger
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt (add to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the Bones: Preheat your oven to broil. Arrange the beef bones on a sheet pan and place them under the oven broiler. Roast each side for about 5 minutes or until browned, adjusting based on their proximity to the broiler. This step enhances the broth’s depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the roasted bones to the slow cooker. Add the quartered onion, halved garlic head, chopped carrots and celery, bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, and 8 cups of water.
- Slow Cook the Broth: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 12 hours. You may cook longer to extract more flavor and nutrients as desired.
- Strain the Broth: Prepare a large bowl with a strainer placed over it. Carefully ladle the broth through the strainer to separate the liquid from the bones and vegetables. Press the vegetables gently to release all juices, then discard the solids.
- Add Final Seasonings and Serve: Stir in the grated ginger, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Serve the broth immediately, or store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Skim off any fat that rises to the top before serving if preferred.
Notes
- Roasting the bones before slow cooking greatly enhances the flavor and richness of the broth.
- Cooking longer than 12 hours can improve nutrient extraction and flavor intensity.
- Apple cider vinegar helps break down the bones to release minerals like calcium and magnesium into the broth.
- You can skim fat from the broth after refrigeration for a leaner broth.
- Store broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use the broth as a base for soups, stews, or enjoy it warm as a nourishing drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 hours
- Category: Soup Broth
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beef bone broth, slow cooker bone broth, healthy broth recipe, homemade beef broth, nourishing bone broth, slow cooker recipes

