Cooking Beef Neck Bones

Beef neck bones are a flavorful and affordable cut, perfect for slow-cooked meals. Rich in marrow and connective tissue, they create a savory, gelatinous broth when cooked properly. This Cooking Beef Neck Bones recipe will guide you through preparing tender, juicy meat with a rich, hearty flavor, ideal for soups, stews, or as a main dish.

Ingredients

• 2–3 pounds (900g–1.3kg) beef neck bones
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2–3 bay leaves
• 4 cups beef broth or water
• Optional: fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Neck Bones

1. Rinse the beef neck bones under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Brown the Bones

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the neck bones on all sides for 5–7 minutes to enhance flavor.
3. Remove the bones and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Neck Bones

1. Return the browned neck bones to the pot.
2. Add beef broth or water and bay leaves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2–3 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the neck bones from the pot and transfer meat to a serving dish.
2. Strain the broth if desired and serve as a rich, flavorful soup or stew.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma and color.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beef Neck Bones

• Slow cooking ensures tender, flavorful meat and a rich broth.
• Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time to about 1 hour.
• Save the broth for soups, gravies, or sauces—it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

Cooking beef neck bones is an easy way to enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal with minimal effort. With proper seasoning and slow cooking, this cut transforms into a tender, flavorful dish that warms both the stomach and the soul.