Canning Beef Bone Broth Recipe

This post is all about canning beef bone broth.

Today I’ll be showing you how I turn the bones from a cow we raised into rich, nourishing beef bone broth.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover bones or wanted a versatile pantry staple, this one’s for you.

Let’s get into the benefits, recipe, and canning process for a homemade beef broth that’s as hearty as it is easy to make.

Why Make Beef Bone Broth?

Bone broth is packed with nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals that promote joint health, support digestion, and even improve skin health. When we’re talking about homemade, we’re also talking about deeper flavors, more control over ingredients, and none of the preservatives or unnecessary additives you’ll often find in store-bought versions.

Using bones from an animal you raised adds an even deeper layer of satisfaction—knowing where your food came from and exactly how it was cared for.

The Benefits of Canning Beef Bone Broth

Canning your bone broth makes it easy to store and access all year long. Instead of taking up precious freezer space or relying on store-bought versions, you’ll have your own ready-to-use broth for soups, stews, gravies, and even as a warm, nourishing drink when you’re feeling under the weather.

Beef Bone Broth Recipe (Crockpot and Stove)

Using a crockpot makes this recipe a breeze, especially if you don’t want to keep an eye on a simmering pot all day. I’ll also share how to make it on the stove if that’s your preference.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs of beef bones (marrow and knuckle bones add extra richness)
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2-3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps draw out the minerals from the bones)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves

Crockpot Method:

1. Prepare Bones: If you have time, roast the bones at 400°F for 30-45 minutes until golden brown. This deepens the flavor of your broth, though it’s optional.
2. Add to Crockpot: Place bones, veggies, apple cider vinegar, and herbs into your crockpot. Fill with enough water to cover all ingredients.
3. Cook: Set on low for 24-48 hours. The longer it simmers, the more nutrients are drawn from the bones.
4. Strain: Remove bones and vegetables, then strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer.
5. Season and Skim: Add salt and pepper to taste. If any fat has risen to the top, skim it off.

Stove Method:

1. Prepare Bones: As with the crockpot method, roasting is optional but adds depth.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large stockpot, add bones, veggies, apple cider vinegar, herbs, and enough water to cover.
3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Let cook for 12-24 hours, checking occasionally to skim any foam or fat.
4. Strain and Season: Remove bones and veggies, then strain the broth and season to taste.

Storing and Canning

If you’d like to store your broth long-term without taking up freezer space, canning is the way to go! Here’s a quick overview of how to safely can your homemade bone broth.

1. Prep Jars: Sterilize your jars and lids. You’ll be pressure canning this broth, as it’s not acidic enough for water bath canning.
2. Fill Jars: Pour hot broth into the jars, leaving 1-inch headspace at the top.
3. Pressure Can: Place jars in your pressure canner. Process quarts for 25 minutes at 10 PSI, adjusting for altitude if needed.
4. Cool and Store: Once done, let jars cool. Check seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed, your broth can last up to a year.

How to Use Your Beef Bone Broth

• Soups and Stews: Add deep, complex flavor to any soup or stew with a base of this homemade broth.
• Gravy and Sauces: Beef bone broth adds richness to gravies and sauces—perfect for a Sunday roast or holiday meal.
• Sipping Broth: Warm up a mug with a sprinkle of salt and sip on chilly days. It’s a comforting drink that’ll keep you full and satisfied.
• Cooking Grains: Use your broth to cook rice, quinoa, or couscous for an extra layer of flavor.

Solving the Issue of Wasting Bones

One common issue for many of us raising animals is knowing how to use every part of them. Making bone broth is a satisfying, frugal way to reduce waste and make something nutritious for your family.

Canning extends its shelf life and ensures you always have a homemade, nutrient-rich broth on hand, giving you one more way to make the most of your hard work and care.

Making and canning beef bone broth may take some time, but it’s an easy process that pays you back with every jar you pull off the shelf.

Give it a try—you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re using every part of an animal you raised with your own hands, while keeping your pantry stocked with something truly homemade.