Nourishing Homemade Beef Bone Broth For The Whole Family

If you’ve been curious about making homemade bone broth, this is your sign to start. Bone broth is one of the most nourishing recipes out there, especially for babies just starting solids. This easy beef broth recipe is packed with collagen, healthy fats, and minerals that support growth, immunity, and gut health. Plus, it’s simple to make, deeply comforting, and something everyone in your family can enjoy!

Why Bone Broth Has Become a Staple in My Kitchen

Bone broth seems to be everywhere these days and now I completely understand all the hype. Once I started making my own homemade beef broth, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. As I began introducing solids to my baby, this nourishing recipe became a simple way to support both baby and family meals. It’s one of those comforting, nutrient-rich foods that truly gives something to everyone. 

Why I Start with a Beef Shank Bone

When it comes to making nutrient-dense broth for babies, I always begin with a beef shank bone. Roasting it first helps release the rich, creamy bone marrow which is truly nature’s multivitamin. That marrow is packed with iron, collagen, and healthy fats, all essential for your baby’s growth, immune health, and brain development. After roasting, I scoop it out and feed it to my baby, which he can’t eat fast enough!!

Building the Broth

Once the marrow is removed, the bones and meat go into a large pot along with:

• Enough water to cover the bones
• A few cloves of garlic
• A small onion
• A couple of carrots
• A sprinkle of oregano (or your favorite herbs)

You can also add in celery, parsley, or even zucchini, there’s no wrong way to build flavor here. The key to the best homemade beef broth is time! The longer it simmers, the richer and more mineral-filled your broth becomes. I like to let mine simmer for about six hours, and by the end, the whole house smells warm and comforting.

Strain, Cool, and Store

When the broth is ready, I strain it through a fine mesh sieve to get that beautiful, golden liquid. As it cools in the fridge, the fat naturally separates and rises to the top. Whatever you do, don’t throw it out!! That fat is gold. I save it to use later for:

• Sautéing veggies
• Cooking rice
• Enriching baby purees
• Adding flavor and nutrients to soups and sauces

As you can tell, nothing goes to waste here. Every bit of the broth becomes part of another meal. And since I usually make the broth in the evening, I pour myself a cup before bed, my version of natural medicine. Bone broth is comforting, healing, and a beautiful reminder that simple, mindful cooking can nourish your whole family from the inside out.

So next time you’re craving something warm, wholesome, and healing, save this recipe and make your own homemade beef broth! 

Ingredients 1 beef shank bone (with marrow) 3 carrots, chopped 1 small onion, peeled 4- 5 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon oregano (or herbs of choice) Water, enough to cover bones Optional: celery, parsley, or zucchini

Instructions

1. Roast the beef shank bone at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, until browned and the marrow softens.
2. Scoop out the marrow and set it aside for your baby.
3. Add the bones and meat to a large pot. Cover with water and add garlic, onion, carrots, and oregano.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for about 6 hours.
5. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids.
6. Allow to cool, then refrigerate. The fat will rise to the top, make sure you save this gold!
7. Store the broth in glass jars for up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Notes

Baby-Friendly Serving Tips

• For babies 6 months and up: You can blend a small spoonful of the roasted bone marrow with steamed veggies for an iron-rich puree.
• For introducing broth: Offer a few spoonfuls of warm, unsalted broth in a cup or bowl to sip. It’s hydrating and packed with gentle nutrients.
• For texture: Blend soft carrots or beef from the pot into a smooth puree with a little broth for flavor and added nutrition.
• Always make sure the broth is unsalted and cooled to a safe temperature before serving to your baby.