Nothing beats a rich, homemade soup made from real soup bones. The deep, slow-simmered flavors create a broth that’s comforting, nourishing, and packed with goodness. Whether you’re making beef or chicken, this is a must-try recipe that elevates any soup to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful – Simmering bones for hours releases incredible depth of flavor and nutrients.
- Nutritious – Loaded with collagen, minerals, and protein for a nourishing meal.
- Versatile – Use it as a base for soups, stews, or even sip it on its own!
- Budget-Friendly – An affordable way to get the most out of simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Soup Bones – Beef or chicken bones add deep, savory richness.
- Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth.
- Carrots – Brings subtle sweetness and additional nutrients.
- Celery – Enhances the broth’s aromatic flavor.
- Garlic – Infuses the broth with a warm, savory touch.
- Bay Leaves – Provides a subtle herbal note.
- Black Peppercorns – Adds mild spice and depth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Helps extract nutrients from the bones.
- Water – The base for your broth, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances and balances flavors.

Note: Ingredient measurements will be listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make Soup Bone Broth
Step 1: Roast the Bones
For a deeper, richer flavor, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bones on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-40 minutes until they develop a golden brown color.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Transfer the roasted bones to a large pot or slow cooker. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Pour in enough water to fully cover the ingredients. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals from the bones.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Let it cook for at least 8-12 hours (or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor). Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
Step 4: Strain and Store
Once the broth is done, strain out the solids using a fine-mesh strainer. Discard the bones and vegetables. Let the broth cool, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Broth
- Roasting the bones intensifies the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- A long simmer extracts the most nutrients and creates a gelatin-rich broth.
- Skim impurities off the top during simmering for a clear, clean broth.
- Use a slow cooker if you want to set it and forget it overnight.
How to Serve
- Use as a base for soups, stews, and sauces.
- Sip it warm with a sprinkle of salt and fresh herbs for a nourishing drink.
- Add cooked noodles, veggies, or shredded chicken for a quick homemade soup.

Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep homemade broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Freezing
Freeze in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm. Stir well before serving.
FAQs
Can I use raw bones instead of roasting them?
Yes, but roasting enhances the depth of flavor and creates a richer broth. If you’re short on time, you can simmer raw bones directly.
How do I make the broth more gelatinous?
Using bones with lots of connective tissue, like beef knuckles or chicken feet, will help create a thicker, collagen-rich broth.
Can I reuse the bones for another batch?
Yes! You can reuse bones for a second batch, though it will be lighter in flavor. Add fresh vegetables and seasonings for the best results.
What if my broth doesn’t gel?
A thinner broth is still packed with nutrients! If you want a thicker consistency, add more collagen-rich bones or reduce the broth by simmering it longer.
Enjoy your homemade soup bone broth – it’s a game-changer for all your soups and stews!
Print
Soup Bone Recipe
- Total Time: 12-24 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and nourishing beef bone broth made with soup bones, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This broth is packed with collagen, minerals, and deep umami flavor, making it perfect for sipping or as a base for soups and stews.
Ingredients
Bones:
- 2–3 lbs beef soup bones (marrow bones, knuckles, or oxtail)
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Aromatics & Seasonings:
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp thyme (optional)
- Water (enough to cover the bones, about 10-12 cups)
Instructions
- Roast the Bones – Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the soup bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until deeply browned. This enhances the flavor of the broth.
- Prepare the Broth – Transfer the roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add chopped vegetables, garlic, bay leaves, vinegar, peppercorns, and salt.
- Simmer Slowly – Cover the ingredients with water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 12-24 hours, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Strain and Store – Remove the bones and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids. Let the broth cool, then store in jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Blanching the Bones: For a cleaner broth, blanch the bones in boiling water for 10 minutes before roasting.
Gelatinous Broth: If your broth turns into jelly when chilled, that’s a good sign! It means it’s packed with collagen.
Enhancing Flavor: For extra depth, add a splash of soy sauce or miso paste before serving.
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Use a slow cooker on low for 24 hours or an Instant Pot on high pressure for 2-3 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-24 hours
- Category: Soup/Broth
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: beef bone broth, soup bones, homemade broth, bone broth recipe, collagen broth, beef stock