If you’re craving a nourishing, deeply flavorful broth that fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle, then you have to try this Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort drink packed with nutrients from rich beef bones and vibrant vegetables, slow-cooked to silky perfection. The taste is robust yet clean, with the gentle tang of apple cider vinegar bringing out the best in every ingredient. This broth isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl that supports your health goals while being incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe is in its simplicity and authenticity. Each ingredient plays a unique role, whether it’s adding layers of flavor, richness, or nutritional support. These few pantry staples come together harmoniously to create a broth that’s more than just a base for soups—it’s a delicious drink on its own.
- 2 carrots (peeled): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to lighten the broth.
- 2 celery stalks: Offers a subtle earthy crunch that deepens flavor complexity.
- 1 medium onion (cut in half): Contributes a mild sweetness and aromatic richness that fills the kitchen.
- 1 parsnip (cut in half): Provides an understated earthiness and slight sweetness to balance the broth.
- 3-4 lbs of beef bones: The cornerstone of the broth, packed with collagen and minerals for gut health.
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar: Helps break down the bones to release essential nutrients and adds a tangy brightness.
- 3-4 cloves garlic: Infuses the broth with a warming, robust flavor and immune-boosting qualities.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that enhances overall aroma and taste.
- Water: The foundation that brings all ingredients together and extracts their goodness.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: Balances and enhances every flavor, adjustable to your preference.
How to Make Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine Ingredients
Begin by placing your peeled carrots, celery stalks, halved onion, and parsnip into the slow cooker. Top these with the beef bones, which are the heart and soul of this recipe, offering rich collagen and a savory base flavor. Add the garlic cloves and bay leaf for aromatic depth. Finally, pour in your water just until everything is covered — this ensures a concentrated and flavorful broth.
Step 2: Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Season
Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This not only helps to draw nutrients like calcium and magnesium from the bones but also lends a slight tang that brightens the broth’s flavor. Sprinkle in about 1 teaspoon of salt to season, though feel free to adjust this later after cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook with Patience
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 8 to 10 hours. The longer you cook, the more nutrients and flavor develop, so I recommend the full 10-hour simmer. This is a perfect recipe to start before bed or in the morning and come back to a pot brimming with liquid gold.
Step 4: Strain and Chill the Broth
When time’s up, carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove bones and vegetables. The resulting golden liquid is incredibly satisfying! For an even cleaner finish, chill it overnight in the fridge. Once cold, you can easily skim off the fatty layer that rises to the top—this fat is a sign of a well-made broth but often removed for those watching fat intake or preferring a lighter texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe can be as simple or fancy as you like. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns can elevate a warm cup of broth, adding a pop of freshness and mild heat. A tiny drizzle of melted ghee or a dash of turmeric can amp up flavor and health benefits without overpowering the broth’s delicate profile.
Side Dishes
This broth isn’t just a drink; it’s a complement to many meals. Try pairing it alongside a green keto salad with avocado or a savory keto cheese biscuit. Its warm, soothing quality makes it a fantastic starter to a meal or a nourishing side when you want something light but restorative.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving the broth as a base for a hearty keto soup. Add in sautéed mushrooms, kale, or shredded chicken to make a complete meal in a bowl. Another fun idea is to pour it into ice cube trays for easy use in recipes that call for broth, ensuring you always have homemade bone broth on hand in perfectly portioned cubes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe refrigerated for up to a week. Store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor. Leftover broth makes a quick, nourishing beverage or a boost to any keto-friendly recipe.
Freezing
If you want to extend the lifespan, freezing is an excellent option. Pour the cooled broth into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays and freeze for up to 4 months. This way, you’ll always have convenient, homemade bone broth ready to thaw whenever you need that comforting sip or recipe base.
Reheating
Reheat your broth gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warm. Avoid boiling rapidly to keep the flavor intact and the broth’s silky texture. Stir occasionally and adjust salt if needed before serving.
FAQs
What makes this Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe keto-friendly?
This recipe is keto-friendly because it contains virtually no carbohydrates and is rich in collagen, minerals, and fats that support ketosis and overall health. Plus, using beef bones and minimal vegetables keeps it low in carbs while high in flavor.
Can I use other bones besides beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef bones give a robust flavor and rich nutrient profile, you can also use chicken, pork, or even fish bones. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken bones may require less time than beef bones.
Why do we use apple cider vinegar in this recipe?
Apple cider vinegar helps break down the bones during the slow cooking process, releasing vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus into the broth. It also adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
How do I reduce the fat content in my bone broth?
After the broth cools in the refrigerator, a layer of fat will rise to the top. Use a spoon to scoop off most of this fat if you prefer a leaner broth. You can save the fat to use as cooking fat, known as schmaltz or tallow.
Is it okay to cook the broth for longer than 10 hours?
Yes, slow cooker bone broths often benefit from long cooking times as this releases more collagen and deepens flavor. Cooking beyond 10 hours is fine, just make sure the water level stays sufficient to cover the ingredients to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe is one of those kitchen staples that feels like a secret weapon for health and flavor. It’s effortless to prepare, wonderfully nourishing, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re sipping it straight up or using it as a base for other keto meals, it’s bound to become a cherished part of your cooking routine. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without your own homemade bone broth!
Print
Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup/Broth
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Description
A nourishing and flavorful Slow Cooker Keto Bone Broth made with beef bones and fresh vegetables, simmered slowly for 10 hours to extract rich nutrients perfect for a keto-friendly diet.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, peeled
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 medium onion, cut in half
- 1 parsnip, cut in half
- 3–4 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
Bone Broth Base
- 3–4 lbs beef bones
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Water (enough to just cover ingredients)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place all vegetables, beef bones, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf into the crockpot. Do not add salt at this stage.
- Add Water and Season: Fill the crockpot with water until it just covers the ingredients. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, adjusting to your taste preference before starting the cooking process.
- Cook Slowly: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the mixture for 8 to 10 hours. For best results, cook for 10 hours to maximize nutrient extraction. This step can be done overnight or while away from home.
- Strain Broth: After cooking, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot to remove solids and bones.
- Cool and Remove Fat: Transfer the broth to the refrigerator overnight to cool. A layer of fat will form on top; carefully remove most of this fat with a spoon and discard it, leaving a rich, clear broth.
- Store Broth: Store the bone broth in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze it for up to four months for longer storage.
Notes
- Using apple cider vinegar helps to draw minerals and nutrients from the bones for a more nutritious broth.
- The fat layer formed on top is a sign of a well-made broth. Removing excess fat improves texture and flavor.
- This broth is ideal for keto diets due to its high nutrient content and low carbohydrates.
- Feel free to adjust salt according to dietary needs.
- Freezing the broth in ice cube trays is a great way to portion it for easy use in recipes.
