Soup bones have been a kitchen staple for centuries, offering a resourceful way to create deeply flavorful and nutritious broths. For cooks of the past, using every part of the animal was a necessity, and soup bones were a key component.
Today, soup bones are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, driven by the growing interest in bone broth and “nose-to-tail” eating, with people drawn to their potential health benefits and affordability.
This article explores the world of soup bones recipes, covering the different types available, the best cooking methods to extract maximum flavor and nutrients, their nutritional benefits, and some delicious and easy recipes to get you started.
What are soup bones?
Soup bones are, essentially, the bony parts of an animal that are well-suited for making soup. They often come with some meat still attached and may contain marrow.
Beef shanks, knuckles, and femurs are all common examples of soup bones. You can find them at the butcher counter of well-stocked grocery stores, and you’ll often find them at ethnic markets.
Beef soup bones can be oval-shaped discs measuring 4 to 6 inches across and about an inch thick.
While beef bones are a popular choice, you can also make delicious and nutritious soups from chicken, pork, or lamb bones. The more bone marrow and collagen the bones contain, the richer and more nutritious the resulting broth will be.
Why use beef soup bones?
Beef soup bones are packed with nutrients, including collagen, vitamins, and minerals. Using them to make broth is a fantastic way to add nutrition to your diet.
Collagen, which comes from connective tissue, is known for its benefits to joint health, skin elasticity, and even gut health. When you cook soup bones, the collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is easy to digest.
Don’t forget about the bone marrow! Bone marrow contains significant amounts of nutrients. For example, bone marrow has four times the vitamin E as regular meat! It also has twice the vitamin A and B1.
Finally, the cooking process helps leach minerals from the bones themselves. You’ll find that the broth is full of calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals that support overall health.
How to cook beef soup bones for broth
Cooking soup bones low and slow coaxes all the flavor and nutrients out of the bones for a rich and nourishing broth.
Preparing the bones
For the best flavor, sear the beef soup bones on all sides before you put them in the slow cooker, Dutch oven, or stockpot. Searing adds a depth of flavor you won’t get otherwise.
You can also add vegetables and herbs to the pot for even more flavor. Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are classic choices, and herbs like bay leaf and thyme add a nice touch.
Cooking methods
There are three main ways to cook beef soup bones for broth:
- Slow cooker: Put the bones and other ingredients in your slow cooker, cover with water, and cook on low for about 8 hours.
- Dutch oven: Place the bones and other ingredients in a Dutch oven, cover with water, and cook in a 200°F oven for several hours.
- Stovetop: Put the bones and other ingredients in a stockpot, cover with water, and simmer on the stove for 2-3 hours.
Straining and storing the broth
Once the broth is cooked, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Let the broth cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for several months.
One-Pot Beef Soup Bone Vegetable Stew
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove. This recipe combines the rich flavor of beef soup bones with the goodness of fresh vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Benefits of a One-Pot Meal
One-pot meals are all about convenience and simplicity. They’re perfect for busy weeknights because they minimize cleanup. Less time washing dishes means more time relaxing!
This stew is also packed with nutrients. The bone broth provides collagen and minerals, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins and fiber. It’s a complete and balanced meal in a single bowl.
Beef Soup Bone Vegetable Stew Recipe (Overview)
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Beef soup bones
- Onions
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Celery
- Tomatoes
- Herbs (like rosemary and thyme)
The cooking process is simple: Sear the bones to develop flavor, sauté the vegetables until they’re tender, add liquid (like water or broth) and seasonings, and then let it all simmer until the meat is falling off the bone.
Variations and Additions
Want to customize your stew? Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and smoked paprika can all add depth of flavor to your stew.
Other beef soup bones recipes and uses
Soup bones can add a depth of flavor to your cooking that you just can’t get any other way.
Osso Buco
Osso buco is a classic Italian dish made with braised veal shanks. If you can’t find (or don’t want to use) veal shanks, you can easily substitute beef soup bones in this recipe.
Vietnamese Pho
Pho is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that features a flavorful broth made from simmering beef bones for hours. The rich, savory broth is what makes this soup so special.
Bone broth as a base for soups and sauces
Once you’ve made a batch of bone broth, you’ll find it’s one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. You can use it as a base for all kinds of soups and stews, or you can simmer it down into a sauce.
You can also add bone broth to dishes like risotto, mashed potatoes, or gravy to boost their flavor and nutritional content.
Beef soup bones – frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions people ask about cooking with beef soup bones:
How much do beef soup bones cost?
The price of beef soup bones can vary quite a bit, from around $3 per pound to $8 or even $10 per pound.
How are beef soup bones different from other beef bones?
Beef soup bones are typically knucklebones, femurs, or other bones with plenty of cartilage and marrow, which adds richness and flavor to the broth.
Can you freeze beef soup bones?
Yes, you can freeze beef soup bones. Just wrap them tightly in freezer wrap or place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before using.
Where can I find beef soup bones?
You can usually find beef soup bones at butcher shops, farmers’ markets, and well-stocked grocery stores.
What’s the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed soup bones?
Grass-fed beef soup bones are often preferred because they tend to have a richer flavor and may be more nutritious than grain-fed bones.
Nose-to-tail cooking and sustainability
Using soup bones is a great example of “nose-to-tail” cooking, which basically means using all parts of the animal. It’s an approach that minimizes waste.
Embracing less common cuts of meat is also good for the environment. It reduces food waste and promotes sustainability. Plus, these cuts are often more affordable and, dare I say, more flavorful than the usual steaks and chops. So, next time you’re at the butcher, be adventurous!
Wrapping Up
Beef soup bones are an affordable way to add nutrition and flavor to your cooking. Whether you’re making broth, soup, stew, or another savory dish, soup bones are incredibly versatile. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and budget-friendly meal, give these recipes a try!