Bone broth has taken the health world by storm in recent years, and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients and health benefits, it’s no surprise that this comforting, flavorful liquid is being labled as a superfood. And, yet you know what? It is so simple. All you need is a whole chicken–or meat of choice–just the leftover bones, really! My favorite way is using my leftover rotisserie chicken! Whether you enjoy it on its own or use it as a base for soups, stews, or sauces, bone broth is incredibly versatile and simple to make at home. Even better, making it in a Crock Pot or slow cooker is an easy way to prepare it with minimal effort, which we all know I love and need with a life with little people! You agree?! No need to work harder, just smarter!

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of bone broth, why you should incorporate it into your diet, and I’ll share a simple Crock Pot recipe for the best bone broth that you will be sipping on all week long! I know there are different ways to make bone broth. The key ingredient to good bone broth are bones. You can use what you have on hand, go the local butcher, or even your local grocery store to grab these! I promise you won’t regret making your own bone broth!

Why Bone Broth is a Nutritional Powerhouse

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones (typically beef, chicken bones, or turkey and sometimes pork bones) with water, vegetables, herbs, and spices for a long period of time. The long cooking time helps release bone marrow, collagen, gelatin, amino acids, minerals, and other essential nutrients from the bones, making it a highly nutritious and easily digestible liquid.

Here are just a few of the incredible benefits of homemade bone broth:

Rich in Collagen: Collagen is a protein that helps support the health of your skin, joints, and connective tissue. Drinking bone broth regularly can help boost collagen production, which may improve skin elasticity and joint mobility.
Gut Health: The gelatin in bone broth helps heal and seal the gut lining, which is especially beneficial for individuals with digestive issues, such as leaky gut syndrome or food sensitivities. A healthy gut is such a game changer.
Boosts Immune Health: The amino acids found in bone broth, particularly glutamine, help support the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body, which can promote overall health and help ward off illness.
Supports Joint Health: Bone broth contains glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds that are known to support joint health and reduce inflammation, making it great for anyone with joint pain or stiffness.
Great for Hair and Nails: The collagen and other nutrients in bone broth can improve the strength and appearance of your hair and nails by supporting healthy growth.
Hydrating and Nourishing: Bone broth is full of electrolytes and minerals, making it a hydrating and nourishing drink—especially helpful if you’re feeling run down or under the weather.

How to Use Bone Broth

Here are my favorite ways to use bone broth!

I love to use it as any soup base–Using bone broth as a soup base levels up the nutritional value of your meal! Add it to your favorite soup recipe next time!
Drinking it–I love to actually drink a hot cup of bone broth, especially in the cold winter months. I know many people who chose to sip on traditional broths, but why not make it bone broth and get the added health benefits?!
Add to Recipes–any recipe that requires a broth, you can sub some or all bone broth of your choice. The rich bone broth will again add nutritional value to the meal you are making! I am always looking for ways to bring health to my family in my meals!

How to Make Bone Broth in the Crock Pot

The beauty of making bone broth in a Crock Pot is that you can set it and forget it. I know the store-bought broth at Whole Foods is tempting, but homemade slow cooker bone broth is something I promise you won’t regret! Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, all you need to do is add them to the slow cooker, turn it on, and let it cook low and slow for hours. It’s the perfect way to make a big batch of broth with minimal effort.

Easy Crock Pot Bone Broth Recipe

This batch of bone broth is simple, flexible, and can be customized based on your preferences and the bones you have on hand.

Ingredients:

2-3 pounds of bones (beef marrow bones, chicken carcass, turkey bones, or a mix of both)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)
1 onion, peeled and quartered
2 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
4 garlic cloves, smashed (optional, but adds great flavor)
2-3 bay leaves
A few sprigs of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary work well)
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Water (enough to cover the bones and vegetables, about 10 cups)

Instructions:

Prepare the Bones: If you’re using beef bones, it’s helpful to roast them first to develop a richer flavor. Simply place the bones on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until they’re browned. (This step is optional of course, but it adds depth to the flavor of your broth, so if you have the time, don’t skip it!)
Add to the Crock Pot: Place your bones in the Crock Pot, along with the vinegar, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, a bay leaf or two, peppercorns, and herbs.
Cover with Water: Add enough water to the slow cooker to cover the bones and vegetables, about 10 cups, depending on the size of your Crock Pot.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your Crock Pot to the “low” setting and let it cook for 12-24 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer and more nutrient-dense the broth will become. If you have time, cooking it for a full 24 hours will give you a deeply flavorful and nourishing broth. That extended period of time is so beneficial so if you accidentally forget it, not to worry!
Skim the Broth: During the first few hours of cooking, you may notice some foam or scum rise to the top of the broth. Use a spoon to skim it off if you prefer a clearer broth. This is totally optional.
Strain the Broth: After the cooking time is up, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the bones and vegetables from the Crock Pot. Then, strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining solids.
Store and Enjoy: Let the flavorful broth cool to room temperature, then transfer it to mason jars or airtight containers. Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for later use. You can sip on it as is or again, use it as a base for soups, stews, or sauces of your choice!

Tips for Success

Use a Variety of Bones: For the most nutrient-dense broth, use a mix of bones. Beef marrow bones provide a rich, deep flavor, while chicken or turkey bones are great for a lighter, more delicate broth.
Add More Vinegar: If your broth doesn’t seem as rich or gelatinous as you’d like, try adding a little more apple cider vinegar to help extract more nutrients from the bones.
Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. You can add things like ginger, turmeric, or even a dash of soy sauce for a unique twist.
Don’t Rush the Process: Bone broth benefits from long, slow cooking. It’s worth the wait, so try to resist the temptation to speed up the process with higher heat. A slow cook will yield the best results!

Final Thoughts

Bone broth is an incredibly nourishing and versatile food that’s easy to incorporate into your diet. Whether you sip it on its own, use it as a base for soups, or add it to your favorite recipes, it’s a great way to boost your health and get extra nutrients into your daily routine. By using a Crock Pot, you can make this superfood with little effort, letting the slow cooker do all the work.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the health benefits of bone broth in the simplest way possible!

Feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking! Do you already make bone broth in a slow cooker, or is this your first time trying it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.