Bone broth made from simmering beef bones is incredibly nutritious and adds great flavor to soups and stews. But when making your own beef bone broth at home, how many pounds of bones do you really need?
In this article, we’ll break down how to calculate the right quantity of beef bones to use for making your own batch of healing bone broth.
How Much Bone Broth Will You Get Per Pound of Bones?
As a general rule of thumb, 1 pound of beef bones will produce about 1 quart of bone broth. However, the exact yield can vary based on:
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Type of bones – Meatier bones like knuckle and femur bones produce more broth than smaller bones
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Cooking time – Longer simmering extracts more collagen and nutrients from the bones.
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Water amount – More water = more diluted broth.
For example, simmering 5 pounds of meaty femur bones for 24 hours may yield 4-5 quarts of bone broth. But roasting and simmering 2 pounds of miscellaneous bones for 12 hours may only make 2 quarts.
Suggested Amounts of Beef Bones for Different Yields
Here are some guidelines for how many pounds of beef bones to use based on your desired final yield:
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For 2-3 quarts – Use 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef bones. Great for a small batch.
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For 4-6 quarts – Use 3 to 5 pounds of bones. Good for a medium batch.
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For 8-10 quarts – Use 6 to 8 pounds of bones. Makes a large supply.
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For 10+ quarts – Use 8+ pounds of bones. Best for huge batches.
The recipe below uses 6 pounds of beef bones to yield around 8-10 quarts of bone broth. Adjust the quantity higher or lower based on your needs.
Tips for Getting the Most Broth from Your Bones
Follow these tips to maximize the broth you extract from beef bones:
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Choose meatier bones like knuckles, joints, and femurs over leaner bones.
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Blanch bones before simmering to remove impurities.
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Roast bones to enhance flavor before adding to the broth.
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Simmer for 24+ hours to draw out all the collagen and nutrients.
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Add water as needed to keep bones fully submerged.
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Use a large stockpot so bones have room to simmer.
With the right bones and techniques, 1 pound can produce 1 quart or more of tasty, nutritious beef bone broth.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Beef Bone Broth
Follow this simple method for making the most of the beef bones you use.
Ingredients:
- 6 lbs beef bones (marrow, knuckle, joints)
- 48 cups water
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 450°F.
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Place bones in a pot, cover with 1 inch of water, bring to a boil for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse bones.
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Spread bones on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes until browned.
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Transfer bones to a large stockpot and add 48 cups water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer for 24-48 hours, adding water as needed to keep bones submerged.
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Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Discard bones.
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Refrigerate broth overnight. Scrape off hardened fat from the top.
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Store broth in fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for 6 months.
Use this simple bone broth recipe to get the most out of the beef bones you have on hand!
FAQ About Making Beef Bone Broth
Here are answers to some common questions about making beef bone broth:
What are the best beef bones for broth?
Marrow bones, knuckle bones, joints, and femurs work well. Look for bones with meat and cartilage still attached.
Can I use leftover beef bones from roasts/steaks?
Yes, you can save bones in the freezer until you have enough to make a batch of broth.
Do I need to roast the bones?
Roasting isn’t required but it enhances the broth’s flavor. You can skip it to save time.
How much water should I use per pound of bones?
Aim for about 8 cups of water per 1 pound of bones to give them room to simmer.
Is it better to simmer longer?
Yes! Simmering for 24-48 hours extracts more collagen, gelatin, and nutrients.
Making the Most of Your Beef Bones
When making homemade bone broth, start with 1-2 pounds of bones for a small batch or up to 8+ pounds for a large batch. Look for meaty bones and use techniques like roasting and long simmer times to maximize the nutritional value. Following this process ensures you get the most broth out of the beef bones you use.
What’s your favorite way to use beef bone broth? Share your ideas below!