Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth Recipe | Rich, Gelatinous & Easy
Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth Recipe (Rich, Gelatinous & Nutrient-Dense)

This slow cooker beef bone broth is a simple, traditional way to create a deeply nourishing, collagen-rich broth at home.
Using a long, slow cooking process, this recipe extracts gelatin, amino acids, and minerals from the bones—resulting in a broth that supports gut health, joints, skin, and overall recovery.
👉 Learn more about the benefits of bone broth:
/pages/bone-broth-benefits
Why This Method Works
Roasting the bones first enhances flavour, while slow cooking over 24 hours allows for:
- Maximum collagen extraction
- Mineral release from bones
- A rich, dark, gelatinous finish
This is what gives bone broth its signature texture and depth.
Ingredients
- 1.8 kg mixed beef bones (marrow bones, oxtail, knuckles, short ribs)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 medium carrots
- 3 celery stalks
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Cold filtered water (enough to fully cover)
Method
1. Roast the bones
- Preheat oven to 200°C
- Spread bones in a single layer on a baking tray
- Roast for 30 minutes
- Turn bones and roast for another 30 minutes
2. Prepare vegetables
- Roughly chop onions, carrots, and celery
(No need for precision—they are used for flavour and strained out later.)
3. Transfer to slow cooker
- Add roasted bones, vegetables, bay leaf, and apple cider vinegar to a large slow cooker
4. Add water
- Cover all ingredients with cold filtered water
- Ensure everything is submerged by about 2–3 cm
5. Slow cook
- Cook on low for 24 hours
- Add water if needed to keep bones covered
- Skim foam from the surface occasionally
6. Strain and cool
- Strain through a fine sieve
- Discard bones and vegetables
- Cool to room temperature
7. Chill and store
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours
- Remove any solidified fat layer if desired
- Store:
- In fridge for up to 5–7 days
- In freezer for up to 3 months
What to Look For in a Good Bone Broth
- Deep brown colour
- Rich, savoury aroma
- Slightly gelatinous texture when chilled
These are signs of a well-extracted, nutrient-rich broth.
How to Use Bone Broth
- Drink warm on its own
- Use in soups and stews
- Add to sauces or grains
👉 Try it in:
/blogs/recipes/mediterranean-beef-stew-spinach
👉 Or a lighter option:
/blogs/recipes/sweet-potato-leek-bone-broth-soup
When You Need a Convenient Option
If you don’t have time to make your own, a high-quality ready-made option can be a practical alternative.
👉 Explore:
Broth & Co Bone Broth Range
/pages/shop
Frequently Asked Questions
Why roast bones before making bone broth?
Roasting enhances flavour and gives the broth a richer, deeper colour.
Why use apple cider vinegar?
It helps draw minerals out of the bones during cooking.
How long should I cook bone broth?
A minimum of 12 hours is effective, but 24 hours produces a richer, more gelatinous broth.
Why is my bone broth not gelatinous?
This can happen if:
- There weren’t enough collagen-rich bones (like joints or knuckles)
- Cooking time was too short
- Too much water diluted the broth
Is bone broth good for gut health?
Yes. It contains amino acids that support the gut lining and digestion.
👉 Learn more:
/blogs/recipes/gut-health-leaky-gut-bone-broth
Can I reuse bones?
You can, but the nutritional value will be reduced. For best results, use fresh bones.
Can I freeze bone broth?
Yes. Freeze in portions for convenience.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef bone broth recipe is one of the simplest ways to create a nutrient-dense staple at home.
It’s versatile, deeply nourishing, and easy to incorporate into everyday meals.
👉 Explore more ways to use bone broth:
/pages/bone-broth-benefits