Mushroom Free Slow Cooker Bone Broth
Rich, deeply savory, and made entirely from scratch, this slow cooker bone broth is the kind of kitchen project that rewards patience in the most satisfying way. Roasting the beef bones first at high heat builds a dark, caramelized foundation that gives the finished broth its incredible depth and color. From there, aromatics like garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and a spoonful of tomato paste layer in complexity while the slow cooker does the heavy lifting over a long, gentle cook. The apple cider vinegar is a quiet workhorse here — it helps draw collagen and minerals out of the bones, which is exactly what gives a well-made broth that signature gel when it chills. Store-bought broths and stocks can be a minefield for anyone avoiding certain ingredients, since flavor enhancers and additives are common on those labels. Making it yourself means you know exactly what went in — just bones, vegetables, herbs, and water. The result is a glossy, nourishing liquid that's gorgeous as a sipping broth, a soup base, or a flavor boost for grains and braises.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 3 lb mixed beef bones (knuckles, marrow bones, and/or oxtail)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
- 3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 10–12 cups cold water (enough to cover bones by 1 inch)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the bones in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until deeply browned on the surface.
- 2
Transfer the roasted bones to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, salt, and apple cider vinegar.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!