Set It & Forget It Bone Broth Slow Cooker Recipe!
Are you looking for a simple, nourishing way to boost your health? Look no further than homemade bone broth! This liquid gold, packed with essential minerals and collagen, offers a myriad of benefits for gut health, joint support, skin elasticity, and immune function. While traditionally an all-day affair on the stovetop, mastering a delicious bone broth slow cooker recipe makes this superfood accessible to everyone, even with the busiest schedules. Say goodbye to complicated culinary endeavors and hello to effortless nutrition.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Bone Broth?
The slow cooker truly lives up to its "set it and forget it" reputation when it comes to bone broth. This method allows for a low and slow simmer over an extended period, which is crucial for extracting maximum nutrients, collagen, and gelatin from the bones. It eliminates the need for constant monitoring, reduces the risk of boil-overs, and safely maintains a consistent temperature, making it the ultimate tool for this traditional preparation.
The Remarkable Benefits of Bone Broth
Incorporating bone broth into your diet is an excellent way to support overall wellness. Here are just a few of its remarkable advantages:
- Gut Health: Gelatin and collagen help heal and seal the gut lining, reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
- Joint Support: Rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and other compounds vital for cartilage repair and joint lubrication.
- Skin, Hair, and Nails: Collagen is the building block for healthy skin elasticity, strong hair, and resilient nails.
- Immune System Boost: Contains amino acids like glycine and proline, which support detoxification and immune function.
- Mineral Rich: A natural source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Bone Broth Slow Cooker Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to a flavorful and nutrient-dense broth. Adjust quantities based on your slow cooker size (typically 6-8 quart for a good batch).
- 2-3 lbs mixed bones (beef marrow bones, knuckle bones, oxtail, chicken feet, roasted chicken carcass – a mix is best!)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from bones)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2-3 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- Fresh parsley stems (optional, for flavor)
- Filtered water (enough to cover ingredients)
- Salt to taste (add after cooking)
Step-by-Step Guide: Your Easy Bone Broth Slow Cooker Recipe
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof bone broth slow cooker recipe:
- Prepare Bones: If using beef bones, consider roasting them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes beforehand. This adds depth of flavor and a beautiful color to your broth. For chicken bones, roasting is optional but still recommended for flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Place all bones, apple cider vinegar, onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and peppercorns into your slow cooker.
- Add Water: Pour in filtered water until all ingredients are completely submerged, leaving about an inch or two of space from the top of the cooker.
- Set & Simmer: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 12-24 hours. For maximum nutrient extraction and gelatinous texture, aim for the longer end of the spectrum (20-24 hours).
- Strain: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker. Carefully remove the large pieces of bones and vegetables with tongs or a slotted spoon. Then, pour the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth into a large heat-proof bowl or containers.
- Cool & Store: Allow the broth to cool completely before transferring it to airtight jars or containers. A layer of fat will likely form on top as it cools; this acts as a natural seal and can be left on for storage or removed if preferred.
Tips for Success with Your Bone Broth Slow Cooker Recipe
- Skim the Scum: In the first hour or two, some "scum" or impurities might rise to the surface. Skim this off with a spoon for a clearer broth.
- Don't Overfill: Leave enough space at the top of your slow cooker to prevent overflow during the long simmer.
- Acid is Key: Don't skip the apple cider vinegar! It helps draw out beneficial minerals from the bones.
- Experiment with Herbs: While simple is good, feel free to add other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or ginger for additional flavor and benefits.
- Re-use Bones (Optional): If your bones still feel solid and dense after the first batch, you might be able to get a second, weaker batch from them.
Storage and Enjoyment
Proper storage ensures your homemade bone broth stays fresh and ready for use. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer preservation, freeze it in ice cube trays (for small portions), freezer-safe bags, or containers for up to 3-6 months. This easy bone broth slow cooker recipe yields a versatile liquid that can be sipped warm on its own, used as a base for soups and stews, or incorporated into various recipes for an added nutritional boost.
Conclusion
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Embracing a homemade bone broth slow cooker recipe is a simple yet profoundly impactful step towards enhanced well-being. With minimal hands-on time and maximum nutritional yield, you can regularly enjoy the profound benefits of this ancient superfood. So, set it, forget it, and savor the rich, healing goodness!
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