Bone broth has become a beloved kitchen staple in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Not only is it rich in flavor, but it’s also packed with nutrients that support gut health, immunity, and overall wellness. While traditional bone broth can take hours (even days!) to prepare, you don’t need endless time to enjoy its benefits. This guide will show you an easy bone broth recipe for busy days, giving you maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why Bone Broth Is So Popular
Before diving into the recipe, here’s why everyone is raving about bone broth:
Nutrient-Rich: High in collagen, amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.
Gut-Friendly: Supports digestion and may help repair the intestinal lining.
Joint Health: Collagen and glucosamine can ease stiffness.
Immune Support: Warm, mineral-rich broth boosts overall wellness.
Versatile: Use as a base for soups, stews, sauces, or even sip it warm.
Ingredients for Easy Bone Broth
To keep it quick and simple, here’s what you’ll need:
2–3 lbs (900 g–1.3 kg) beef, chicken, or turkey bones (roasted or raw)
1 large onion, quartered
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
10–12 cups water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: parsley, thyme, or ginger for added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bones
For deeper flavor, roast bones in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes.
If short on time, you can skip this step—but it adds a rich, smoky taste.
2. Combine Ingredients
Place bones, vegetables, garlic, bay leaves, and vinegar into a large pot or slow cooker.
Pour in enough water to cover everything.
3. Simmer
Stovetop: Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 6–8 hours.
Slow Cooker: Set on low for 8–10 hours (perfect for overnight cooking).
Instant Pot: Pressure cook on high for 2 hours for a fast version.
4. Strain & Store
Remove bones and vegetables. Strain broth through a fine sieve.
Store in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Practical Tips for Busy Days
Batch Cook: Make a large pot and freeze in ice cube trays for quick flavor boosts.
Use Kitchen Scraps: Save veggie trimmings in the freezer to throw into broth later.
Mix Bone Types: Combining chicken and beef bones adds complexity.
Don’t Forget the Vinegar: It’s the secret to pulling nutrients out of the bones.
Skim Fat (or Keep It): Skim for a lighter broth, or leave it for extra richness.
Creative Ways to Use Bone Broth
Sip It Straight: Warm and comforting on a chilly day.
Base for Soups & Stews: Adds depth to classics like chicken noodle or beef stew.
Cook Grains: Replace water with broth for rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Sauce Booster: Deglaze pans with bone broth instead of wine.
Smoothie Addition: Freeze into cubes and blend small amounts into savory smoothies.
Why This Is the Best Recipe for Busy Days
This easy bone broth recipe for busy days works because it’s flexible. Whether you have a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or just a big pot on the stove, you can fit it into your schedule. It’s hands-off, forgiving, and turns simple ingredients into something nourishing and delicious.
Conclusion
Bone broth doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this easy bone broth recipe for busy days, you’ll enjoy all the health benefits and comforting flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Make a batch this week, freeze some for later, and discover how bone broth can become one of the most useful staples in your kitchen.
Warm, healthy, and simple—that’s bone broth done right! 🍲✨