Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Bone Broth Soup. It’s a hug in a bowl, truly! This soup is deeply flavorful, rich with savory notes, and incredibly nourishing. It’s special because it combines the goodness of slow-simmered bone broth with fresh, vibrant vegetables and often a touch of hearty protein.
You might think making a soup this delicious is complicated, but it’s surprisingly easy. While the bone broth itself takes time to simmer, much of that is hands-off. Once your broth is ready, assembling the soup is quick and simple. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy weeknight or a weekend project.
Get ready to nourish your body and soul with this amazing Bone Broth Soup. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. I promise, your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you!
Cooking Time & Prep Time
- Prep Time (Bone Broth): 15 minutes
- Prep Time (Soup Assembly): 20 minutes
- Cooking Time (Bone Broth Simmer): 12 hours (720 minutes)
- Cooking Time (Soup Assembly): 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 13 hours 5 minutes
Small tip: You can make the bone broth well in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. This makes the “soup assembly” part incredibly fast on a busy day!
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 6-8 generous servings.
For the Homemade Bone Broth (Yields about 8-10 cups)
- 3-4 lbs beef marrow bones, knuckles, or chicken frames/feet
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 handful fresh parsley stems (optional, for flavor)
- Cold water, enough to cover bones by 1-2 inches (approx. 1 gallon / 4 liters)
- 1-2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
For the Bone Broth Soup Assembly
- 6-8 cups prepared Bone Broth (from above, or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 – 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or beef (optional, for a heartier soup)
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, orzo, or egg noodles), optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach or chopped kale
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1: Roast the Bones (Optional but Recommended for Broth)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the beef or chicken bones on a baking sheet. Roast them for 20-30 minutes until nicely browned. This step adds a deeper, richer flavor to your broth.
Small tip: Browning the bones makes a huge difference in the final taste of your broth. Don’t skip it if you have time!
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Step 2: Combine Broth Ingredients
Transfer the roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar, quartered onion, roughly chopped carrots, celery, smashed garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and parsley stems. Pour in enough cold water to cover all the ingredients by 1-2 inches.
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Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours. The longer it simmers, the more nutrients and flavor will be extracted.
Small tip: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of simmering for a clearer broth.
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Step 4: Strain the Broth
Carefully strain the finished broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or heatproof containers. Discard the bones and vegetables. Let the broth cool completely before storing. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for several months.
Small tip: Once chilled, a layer of fat will solidify on top. You can easily scrape this off if you prefer a less fatty broth.
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Step 5: Prepare Soup Vegetables
While the broth is simmering (or if using prepared broth), chop your onion, carrots, and celery for the soup assembly. Mince your garlic. This “mise en place” makes the cooking process smooth.
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Step 6: Sauté Aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Step 7: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the prepared bone broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.
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Step 8: Add Protein and Pasta (if using)
If you’re using cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or beef, add it to the pot now. If adding small pasta, stir it in and cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, until al dente. The pasta will absorb some broth, so you might need a little extra.
Small tip: If you plan to freeze portions of the soup, cook pasta separately and add it when reheating. This prevents mushy pasta.
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Step 9: Stir in Greens
Once the pasta (if used) is cooked and the vegetables are tender, stir in the fresh spinach or chopped kale. Cook for just 1-2 minutes until the greens wilt. You want them vibrant, not overcooked.
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Step 10: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply omit the pasta or use a gluten-free small pasta variety. The soup is naturally gluten-free without it.
- Vegan or Vegetarian Option: While this is a bone broth soup, you can adapt the “soup assembly” part. Use a high-quality vegetable broth as your base. Add plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or white beans. Mushrooms also add a wonderful umami depth.
- Add More Vegetables or Protein: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or green beans during Step 7. For more protein, add extra shredded meat, or even some cooked quinoa or farro.
- Spicy Version: For a kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic in Step 6. A dash of sriracha or a few slices of fresh jalapeño can also be stirred in at the end.
- Flavor Boosters: A slice of fresh ginger or a teaspoon of turmeric can be added to the broth for extra health benefits and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up!
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 6 servings, with chicken and pasta):
- Calories: 280-350
- Protein: 20-28g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35g
- Fat: 8-12g
Note: Values may vary significantly depending on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of bones, amount of fat, and whether protein or pasta are included.
Health Benefits
- Gut Health Support: Bone broth is rich in gelatin (cooked collagen), which can help support a healthy gut lining. This may aid digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.
- Joint and Bone Health: The collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin found in bone broth are essential for healthy joints and bones. These compounds can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
- Skin, Hair, and Nails: Collagen is a key protein for skin elasticity, hydration, and strength. Consuming bone broth can contribute to healthier-looking skin, stronger hair, and less brittle nails.
- Immune System Boost: The amino acids like glutamine in bone broth are crucial for immune cell function. Combined with the vitamins and minerals from the added vegetables, it’s a powerful immune supporter.
- Rich in Minerals: Bone broth extracts vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium from the bones, making it a mineral-rich food source for overall bodily functions.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve your Bone Broth Soup with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Grilled Cheese Companion: A classic pairing! A gooey grilled cheese sandwich makes a fantastic side for this comforting soup.
- As a Light Main: With the added protein and pasta, this soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
- As a Nourishing Side: Without the added meat or pasta, it makes a wonderful, light side dish or
