How to Make Beef Bone Broth in an Instant Pot – A Step-by-Step Guide

Bone broth has become hugely popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and deeply nourishing qualities. While traditional bone broth can take 24-48 hours to make on the stovetop, using an Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time significantly while still yielding a rich, flavorful broth.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of making beef bone broth in an Instant Pot with simple step-by-step instructions.

Benefits of Bone Broth

Before jumping into the recipe, let’s first look at why bone broth has become such a highly-regarded food:

• Contains collagen, gelatin, amino acids, minerals that support joint health and immunity
• Rich in proteins like glycine and proline
• Provides electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium
• Boosts digestion and gut health
• Anti-inflammatory and healing properties

Tips for Making Bone Broth

Follow these tips for the best instant pot bone broth:

• Use meaty bones – marrow bones, knuckles, oxtails, necks and feet have lots of collagen. Short ribs also work well.

• Add an acid – vinegar or lemon juice helps draw out nutrients from the bones.

• Mix bones – using a combination of bones like beef, chicken, and pork creates a balanced, nutrient-dense broth.

• Roast the bones – roasting before boiling deepens flavor and color.

• Skim foam – impurities will rise to the top as scum during cooking. Scoop it out.

• Add veggies – vegetables enrich flavor; dice carrots, onions, garlic, and celery.

• Simmer 24-48 hours – long cooking times extract more collagen and nutrients.

• Strain well – cheesecloth ensures a clear broth.

• Rapid chill – quick chilling preserves freshness and prevents bacteria growth.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Beef Bone Broth Recipe

Now let’s walk through each step for making beef bone broth in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef bones
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 carrot, chopped
• Water to cover bones

Instructions

1. Roast the Bones

   • Preheat oven to 400°F.

   • Place bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.

   • Roasting caramelizes bones for richer flavor and color.

2. Pressure Cook Bones

   • Add bones, vinegar, and water to Instant Pot. Water should cover bones.

   • Cook on high pressure for 120 minutes.

   • Vinegar helps extract nutrients from bones.

3. Natural Release

   • Allow pot to natural release for 30-40 minutes.

   • Natural release prevents broth sputtering through the valve.

   • Gives bones a longer cooking time.

4. Add Aromatics

   • Open pot and add quartered onion and chopped carrot.

   • Vegetables enrich broth flavor and color.

   • Adding them later prevents bitterness.

5. Pressure Cook Again

   • Lock lid and pressure cook on high for 120 minutes more.

   • Second round of cooking extracts maximum collagen.

6. Natural Release and Strain

   • Once done, naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes.

   • Strain broth through a mesh strainer into a large bowl.

   • Cheesecloth ensures a clear, sediment-free broth.

7. Rapid Chill

   • Place bowl with strained broth into an ice bath.

   • Chill for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.

   • Rapid cooling preserves freshness and flavor.

8. Store and Use

   • Transfer cooled broth to jars or containers.

   • Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

   • Use bone broth in soups, stews, sauces, or drink it alone.

Tips for Using Bone Broth

Your homemade bone broth is incredibly versatile. Here are some great ways to use it:

• Drink it straight as a warm beverage or use as the base for soups and stews.

• Use it to braise or simmer meats and vegetables to impart deeper flavor.

• Deglaze pans with bone broth instead of wine or broth when making pan sauces.

• Add it to rice, quinoa or grains while cooking for an nutrient boost.

• Mix with miso paste for a savory brothy dip or sauce.

• Add collagen powder to bone broth for an even bigger health boost.

Storing and Freezing

Properly stored bone broth will last:

• 5-7 days refrigerated

• 6 months in the freezer

To freeze:

• Let cool completely before freezing.

• Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.

• Freeze in recipe-sized portions for easy use.

• Leave 1 inch of headspace for expansion.

To thaw:

• Move broth from freezer to refrigerator 24 hours before using.

• For quick thawing, place sealed bag or container in cold water.

• Use thawed broth within 3-4 days.

Common Questions

What is the difference between stock and bone broth?

Bone broth is simmered much longer with added acid to extract more collagen and nutrients from the bones. Stock is made with meat scraps and cooked for a shorter time.

What bones work best?

Marrow-rich leg bones like knuckles and feet produce the most gelatinous broth. Oxtails, necks, and short ribs also work very well.

Can I use raw bones?

Always cook raw bones before making broth to kill any bacteria. Raw bones can make broth cloudy.

Is it okay to use bones that have meat on them?

Yes, meaty bones add flavor and nutrients to the broth. Remove any cooked meat to use in other dishes.

Can I use a whole chicken?

Yes, a whole chicken is an easy way to make chicken bone broth. Remove any meat from the bones after cooking.

Should bone broth be greasy?

A thin layer of fat will rise to the top as the broth chills. This can be skimmed off before using the broth if desired. The fat provides flavor.

Get Creative with Bone Broth

Now that you know the basics of making beef bone broth in the Instant Pot, get creative with different bone types, herbs and spices! Bone broth is nourishing, healing, and endlessly versatile.