Beef neck bones are a cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. A crock pot is the perfect tool for this! This guide will walk you through how to cook beef neck bones in a crock pot, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
Here’s what you’ll need:
* 2-3 pounds of beef neck bones
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. **Sear the Beef Neck Bones:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef neck bones on all sides until browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the final dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary. Remove the seared bones from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour in a small amount of beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
4. **Assemble in the Crock Pot:** Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the crock pot. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Place the seared beef neck bones on top of the vegetables. Pour in the remaining beef broth, ensuring the bones are mostly submerged. Add the bay leaf.
5. **Slow Cook:** Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Cooking time can vary depending on your crock pot, so check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
6. **Season and Serve:** Once the beef is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt to taste. You can serve the beef neck bones as is, or shred the meat and serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta. The broth from the crock pot makes a delicious sauce.
Tips for Success:
* **Don’t Skip the Searing:** Searing the beef neck bones adds a rich, caramelized flavor that significantly enhances the overall taste.
* **Use Quality Broth:** Opt for a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth is even better!
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the broth during the last hour of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the crock pot, such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
* **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
FAQ:
* **Can I use frozen beef neck bones?**
Yes, you can use frozen beef neck bones, but make sure to thaw them completely before searing.
* **Can I cook this on the stove instead of a crock pot?**
Yes, you can cook it on the stove in a Dutch oven. Follow the same steps, but simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
* **What if I don’t have beef broth?**
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **How do I store leftovers?**
Store leftover beef neck bones and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Can I freeze this dish?**
Yes, you can freeze it. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **What can I serve with beef neck bones?**
Beef neck bones are delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, polenta, or creamy grits. They also pair well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
* **Can I add wine to the recipe?**
Yes, adding a dry red wine can enhance the flavor. Add about 1/2 cup of red wine after deglazing the pan, before transferring the vegetables to the crock pot. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the beef broth.
* **How do I know when the beef neck bones are done?**
The beef neck bones are done when the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Use a fork to test for tenderness.
Enjoy your tender and flavorful beef neck bones!