Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (2024)

Published January 29, 2021.This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Make one of the most fundamental recipes in all of cookery with this rich and delicious homemade beef stock.

Stock is one of the most important things to use in cooking. Whether you’re making a soup or a sauce, it’s is a must-have to keep on hand. If you want to explore using it, then definitely check out my Mulligan Stew or Loco Moco.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (1)

Beef Stock

Beef stock is a beef-flavored liquid used in braising food, making sauces, soups, risotto’s, etc. There are many ways to use it and when homemade, it far supersedes anything from the grocery store and will enhance your meal on another level.

Here are the typical ingredients used in a traditional beef stock:

  • Beef Bones – This can be from leftover bones from steaks, or bones directly from your butcher.
  • Mirepoix – A combination of 50% onions, 25% carrots and 25% celery.
  • Herbs and Spices – Fresh thyme sprigs, parsley, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

The Difference Between Broth and Stock

There is definitely a difference between stock and broth and here they are:

Stock – a roasted beef bone base that is slowly simmered in water with herbs and vegetables. The bones from the beef cause it to be gelatinous and extremely rich in flavor.

Broth – a thin beef-flavored liquid that has beef meat cooked into it with vegetables and herbs. It is often seasoned with salt and pepper and most certainly what is in those boxes at the grocery store.

How to Make Beef Stock from Scratch

Follow along with these simple instructions for how to make this amazing beef stock recipe:

Coat the bones in olive oil and roast in a roasting pan in the oven at 425° for 1 hour.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (2)

Transfer the bones to a large stockpot and set them aside.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (3)

Place the roasting pan on a burner on the stovetop and roast the mirepoix over medium heat until lightly browned.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (4)

Deglaze the pan with red wine and cook it until it’s almost gone.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (5)

Next, mix in tomato paste and cook it over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the tomato paste turns to a rust color. Transfer the mixture to the stockpot with the roasted bones.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (6)

Place the roasting pan back on the burner and deglaze once more with the red wine to get up the rest of the fond. Pour it into the stockpot.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (7)

Fill the stockpot up with water until it covers the bones by about 6 inches.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (8)

Simmer the stock on low heat for 8-10 hours while continually skimming the scum on the top.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (9)

Strain the stock with a chinois or a fine-mesh strainer and store.

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Other Ingredients to Add-In

Making beef stock does not just stop with the ingredients that I used here in this recipe. Here are several things you can add to the beef stock to further enhance the flavor:

  • Mushrooms
  • Leeks
  • Parsnips
  • Green onions
  • Vegetable peelings
  • Herb sprigs with no leaves
  • Shallots
  • Zucchini
  • Squash

Do not use bell peppers, spicy peppers, tomatoes, vegetables from the radish family, or any overly strong flavored vegetables.

What Is a Remouillage?

A remouillage is a stock that is made from the bones and vegetables that have already been used in a stock. Essentially after you strain the first stock you add the bones and vegetables back to the pot, refill it with water and make a second stock.

The flavor of a remouillage is much more subtle than original beef stock and is an affordable option for people or restaurants looking to extend the amount of beef stock they need.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time but can also be used immediately.

How to Store: Place covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze covered for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating.

How to Reheat: Add the desired amount to a saucepot and heat over low heat until hot.

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (11)

chef notes + tips

  • It can easily be made using all leftover ingredients. It’s important if you often fabricate beef to use in your cooking to freeze the leftover pieces of meat or bones.
  • Any leftover bones at all should be frozen.
  • Any vegetable peelings, or if they are starting to go bad, please put them in the freezer to make this beef stock as economical and delicious as possible.
  • If you are using veal bones, cook for 6-8 hours.
  • Do not boil the stock, as it will only make it cloudy.
Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (12)

Recipes that Use Beef Stock

  • Beef and Barley
  • Irish Beef Stew
  • Beef Stroganoff
  • Smothered Pork Chops
  • Coq Au Vin

Be sure to follow me onFacebook,YouTube,Instagram,andPinterest,and if you’ve had a chance to make this then definitely drop me a comment and a rating below!

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (13)

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Homemade Beef Stock Recipe

Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (14)

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5 from 20 votes

Make one of the most fundamental recipes in all of cookery with this rich and delicious homemade beef stock.

Servings: 40

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 11 hours hours

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 8-10 pounds of beef bones
  • 4 roughly chopped medium-size yellow onions
  • 8 roughly chopped celery stalks
  • 8 roughly chopped medium size carrots
  • 10 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups red wine
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 15 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 20 black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 bunch Italian flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°.

  • Add the bones to a roasting pan and coat in olive oil. Roast in the oven at 425° for 1 hour or until browned.

  • Remove the bones and transfer them to a large stockpot and set aside. Drain off all but 3-4 tablespoons of rendered meat fat in the pan and place the roasting pan on a burner over low heat.

  • Add in the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic, and roast in the pan for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

  • Deglaze with 1 cup of red wine and cook until it reduced by ¾.

  • Next, mix in the tomato paste and cook over low heat for 15 minutes until the tomato paste resembles a rust color.

  • Transfer the vegetables to the stockpot with the roasted bones.

  • Add the pan back on the burner and deglaze with the remaining 1 cup of wine and cook for a few minutes to remove any of the leftover bits of fond on the bottom of the pan. Pour it also into the stockpot.

  • Fill the stockpot up with cold water until it covers the bones by about 6 inches along with the thyme, peppercorns, bay leaves, and parsley.

  • Simmer over low heat for 8-10 hours while continually skimming off any impurities on top.

  • Store.

Notes

Chef Notes:

  • Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time but can also be used immediately.
  • How to Store: Place covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze covered for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating.
  • How to Reheat: Add the desired amount to a saucepot and heat over low heat until hot.
  • It can easily be made using all leftover ingredients. It’s important if you often fabricate beef to use in your cooking to freeze the leftover pieces of meat or bones.
  • Any leftover bones at all should be frozen.
  • Any vegetable peelings, or if they are starting to go bad, please put them in the freezer to make this beef stock as economical and delicious as possible.
  • If you are using veal bones, cook for 6-8 hours.
  • Do not boil the stock, as it will only make it cloudy.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 23mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2088IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg

Course: Soup, stock

Cuisine: French

Author: Chef Billy Parisi

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39 comments

    • Jeanie Kristek
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (16)

    If I could give it more stars I would. My house smells delicious. Wonderful recipe right here. I used the ribs from the rib roast at Christmas. Can’t wait to use the broth in my recipes. Roast the left over bones and vegetables and add some wine, makes it.

    • Reply
    • sue
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (17)

    Thank you ChefBilly tasty recipe 😋😁👋🤩

    • Reply
    • sue
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (18)

    Thank you ChefBilly hits the spot tasty recipe add to other’s 😁👋😋🤩

    • Reply
    • sue
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (19)

    Thank you so much such yummy recipe ChefBilly 😁👋😋🤩

    • Reply
    • sue
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (20)

    The best thank you chef Billy 😁👋😋🤩

    • Reply
    • sue
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (21)

    Thank you yes😋 tasty recipe ChefBilly 😁🤩👋

    • Reply
    • sue
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (22)

    Fabulous delicious 🤤 recipe thank you Chief Billy 😁😋🤩👋

    • Reply
    • sue
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (23)

    Thank you ChefBilly fabulous recipe to add to other recipes 😁😋🤩👋

    • Reply
    • Lenora
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (24)

    Such a good recipe. I’ve been saving all my veggie scraps and freezing them. I used a whole oxtail I had and the veggie scraps. This came out beautifully! I can’t wait to use the stock in my recipes.

    • Reply
    • Ana Rico
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (25)

    I made this using beef bones that I got on sale from an Asian grocery store and the rest of the ingredients I had them in my fridge. Cooking time is ridiculously long – prep is easy though- but totally worth it. I’m freezing most of it and keeping some in my fridge. I also gave some of it to my cousin right after I turned the stove off, and she immediately fell in love with the smell.
    This is a new favorite.

    • Reply
    • Kelley McCormick

    I’m making this now the broth is watery and no color ? It’s been on low heat all night . Did I add too much water or temperature is not high enough ? What do you think?

    • Reply
    • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (26)

        sounds like both.

        • Reply
      • Michael C Shocik
      • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (27)

      I have made this stock before and it is the best

      • Reply
      • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (28)

          love it!

          • Reply
        • Kelley
        • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (29)

        To freeze

        • Reply
        • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (30)

            great!

            • Reply
          • Kelley McCormick

          Do you have to sterilize canning jars before you put in jars or after? And can you put in bags? Thank you

          • Reply
          • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (31)

              They can be sterilized in both ways. You can put in bags once chilled, yes.

              • Reply
            • Joan S
            • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (32)

            I made this stock for french onion soup. It was out of this world!

            • Reply
            • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (33)

                Delicious!

                • Reply
              • Janet Dryer
              • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (34)

              This recipe is so very good. Thank you Billy.

              • Reply
              • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (35)

                  My pleasure!

                  • Reply
                • Christine
                • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (36)

                Just made this beef stock. This will be my go to recipe. This recipe takes time but it is well worth it. We raised our own beef and we had the butcher save the bones. I have been looking for the right recipe and this was it. Next recipe will be the Mulligan Stew with the beef stock I just made. Thank you chef Billy for all your videos and knowledge.

                • Reply
                • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (37)

                    Fantastic!

                    • Reply
                  • Rosemary
                  • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (38)

                  This is my go-to recipe. I have made this several times and it freezes well! The flavor is crazy-good!

                  • Reply
                  • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (39)

                      That’s awesome, thank you.

                      • Reply
                  • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (40)

                      Not sure what you mean, that’s all in the recipe.

                      • Reply
                      • Karen
                      • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (41)

                      Made it, froze it, used it in Billy’s French Onion Soup recipe. EXCELLENT.

                      • Reply
                      • Maria
                      • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (42)

                      I just made this stock for the second time. I love it!!! Last year I canned it and I just ran out of that batch. I will be canning this one also. Thank you for sharing your recipe!!

                      • Reply
                      • Lori

                      What size stock pot?

                      • Reply
                      • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (43)

                          5 gal

                          • Reply
                        • Noralee N Burby

                        The photo shows marrow bones. What other beef bones impart the best flavor?

                        • Reply
                        • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (44)

                            Honestly, any bones from veal or cow will do.

                            • Reply
                          • Noralee N Burby

                          What would you sub in for red wine or if using red wine, which red would you suggest? Pinot noir or…?

                          • Reply
                          • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (45)

                              cabernet sauvignon

                              • Reply
                            • Marlene Michaud

                            Your beef stock recipe says it makes 40 servings, how many cups is this?

                            • Reply
                            • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (46)

                                6 oz

                                • Reply
                              • Rehab
                              • Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (47)

                              So good!

                              • Reply
                            Homemade Beef Stock Recipe (2024)

                            FAQs

                            What is the ratio of bones to water for beef stock? ›

                            The basic ratio for a good stock is 100% water, 50% bones and 10% mirepoix. To make it a rich stock you need to roast the bones and I like to bump the bones up to about 60% and the mirpoix to 15%. As in all brown stocks you would add a bit of tomato product too.

                            What is the ratio for stock ingredients? ›

                            Basics: The basic ratio I use for making stock is 4:1 1/2:1/2:1/2. That's 4 pounds of bones and meat, 1 1/2 pounds of onions, and 1/2 pounds each of carrots and celery. This ratio works for beef, chicken, turkey, ham/pork, veal, whatever the meat is and makes about 2 quarts of stock.

                            How do you make the perfect stock? ›

                            How to make stock
                            1. Place chicken carcasses/bones into large pan and top with cold water. Heat to a gentle simmer and skim off any protein scum which rises up. ...
                            2. Add vegetables and bouquet garni. ...
                            3. Strain the stock, pour into a clean pan and boil fiercely to reduce the stock and intensify the flavour.

                            Is it worth making your own beef stock? ›

                            Making Your Own Beef Stock

                            If you make a big batch and freeze it, you may save some money. But the main reason is that you'll get a richness of flavor and texture in your homemade stock that you just can't buy at the store.

                            How many beef stock cubes for 2 cups of water? ›

                            What is the ratio? You can substitute bouillon cubes or granules in most recipes that call for broth or stock. The recommended equivalent measure is to dissolve 1 bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon of bouillon granules) in 8 ounces of boiling water for every 1 cup of broth.

                            How many beef stock cubes per cup of water? ›

                            For a tasty stock dissolve 1 cube in 190ml of boiling water. Storage instructions: Store me in a cool dry place.

                            What are the 3 basic ingredients in making good stocks? ›

                            Stocks are prepared with a few basic ingredients including bones, mirepoix, herbs and spices, and sometimes tomatoes or wine. They are often prepared using leftover ingredients as a cost-effective measure for the kitchen.

                            How do you make stock from scratch? ›

                            To make homemade chicken stock, place chicken bones, vegetables, herbs and spices into a large pot. Cover with cold water then simmer for about 3 hours. Let it cool, then skim the fat. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

                            What is the most important ingredient in a stock? ›

                            Nourishing Element – The most important ingredient of a stock. This is where the flavor, nutrients, color, and most often gelatin come from. Gelatin is an essential part of a stock that is produced when the connective tissue in the bones break down. Gelatin is what gives a stock its body.

                            What not to do when making stock? ›

                            Share
                            1. MISTAKE #1: TOO HOT IN HERE. A rich, full-bodied broth comes from the conversion of connective tissue (mainly collagen) into gelatin through the application of heat in the presence of moisture. ...
                            2. MISTAKE #2: ALL INGREDIENTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL. When it comes to cooking time at least. ...
                            3. MISTAKE #3: FORGETTING TO FINISH.

                            How do you make homemade stock more flavorful? ›

                            How to Make Broth More Flavorful
                            1. Add herbs and spices. Herbs and spices add aroma, flavor, and intensity to soup broth. ...
                            2. Add acidic ingredients. ...
                            3. Pack in umami flavor. ...
                            4. Roast the ingredients first. ...
                            5. Let it evaporate and cook longer. ...
                            6. Skim excess fat.
                            Jun 28, 2023

                            How to do stocks for beginners? ›

                            How to invest in stocks in 6 steps
                            1. Decide how you want to invest in the stock market.
                            2. Choose an investment account.
                            3. Learn the difference between investing in stocks and funds.
                            4. Set a budget for your stock market investment.
                            5. Focus on investing for the long-term.
                            Feb 8, 2024

                            How do you make beef stock taste better? ›

                            Throw In Extra Aromatics

                            The base of most stocks are flavorful aromatics, like onion, carrot, and celery. An easy way to punch up the lackluster flavor of boxed stocks is by adding more of those basics. An onion sliced in half, plus a few chunks of carrots and celery can go a long way in flavoring store-bought stocks.

                            What is the difference between beef broth and beef stock? ›

                            Although both stock and broth involve simmering in water, broth uses meat while stock uses bones. As a result, broth contains very little protein, a key ingredient in building flavor. Additionally, broth often does not contain vegetables or herbs, thereby requiring higher sodium levels to impart flavor.

                            How long will homemade beef stock last? ›

                            Homemade chicken broth or beef broth can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It's important to store the broth in an airtight container to prevent contamination and ensure that it stays fresh. It's also a good idea to check the broth for any signs of spoilage before using it, such as a strange odor or off-taste.

                            What is the ratio of bones to stock? ›

                            A 3:1 ratio by volume of bones to mirepoix is a good starting point when making stock. More mirepoix may compete with the protein, whether chicken or beef. Many chefs prefer a higher ratio of up to 5:1 (bones:mirepoix), so that the chicken and beef flavors are more pronounced.

                            How much water do you add to beef stock? ›

                            Place beef bones in a very large stock pot, at least 7 litres / quarts; Add the herbs and vegetables, and 3 litres of water to just cover the bones. Pack the bones and vegetables down so you minimise the amount of water required. Nobody wants to end up with a watery beef stock!

                            Is 2 cups of bone broth too much? ›

                            Thankfully, the collagen and amino acids in bone broth are incredibly beneficial for joint aches and pains. While everyone is different, we've seen customers rave about joint pain disappearing with regular bone broth consumption. To see benefits for joints and cartilage, we suggest drinking 2-4 cups of broth per day.

                            How much water is used to make 1lb of beef? ›

                            It takes approximately 1,847 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef — that's enough water to fill 39 bathtubs all the way to the top.

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