Beef Neck Bones Recipe
If you’re looking for an alternative to oxtails, with all of the flavor, but without the cost then I’ve found the solution. This Beef Neck Bones recipe is a hearty, meaty, comforting meal that is packed with flavor. The neck bones are seasoned, seared until nicely browned, then slowly cooked in a rich broth with onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary until the meat becomes tender.
This is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the smell of home cooking. The broth cooks down into a savory gravy that tastes amazing spooned over rice, mashed potatoes, or served alongside cornbread. It is simple, satisfying, and perfect for a comforting family meal.
For more soul food favorites check out 28 Authentic Soul Food Recipes
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe turns an affordable cut of meat into a flavorful dish that tastes like it took all day to make. The searing step adds depth, while the slow braise makes the meat tender and delicious.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- It uses simple pantry seasonings
- the neck bones cook until tender and flavorful
- the broth creates a rich homemade gravy
- it pairs well with many classic side dishes
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The full recipe with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Neck bones: Beef neck bones become tender and flavorful when slow cooked.
Beef broth: Gives the dish a deep savory flavor and helps form the gravy.
Flour: Thickens the broth into a rich sauce.
Onion and garlic: Add flavor to the gravy base.
Thyme and rosemary: Give the dish a delicious homemade taste.
Tools You Will Need
- Dutch Oven/Large Pot
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowls
- Cooking Utensils
Watch Me Make Beef Neck Bones
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Step 2: Step 2: Season the neck bones
Place the cleaned and dried neck bones in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and coat each piece. Sprinkle with half of the seasoning mixture and toss until evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Sear the neck bones
Add the remaining oil to a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the neck bones in batches until browned on all sides. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the onion and garlic
Add the onion to the same pot and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Step 5: Make the gravy base
Add the flour and stir well. Cook until the flour turns golden brown.
Step 6: Add the broth and water
Slowly pour in the beef broth and water, stirring well until combined.
Step 7: Return the meat to the pot
Place the neck bones back into the pot. Add the thyme, rosemary, and the remaining seasoning mixture.
Step 8: Cover and Cook
Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the gravy is rich and flavorful.
What to Serve With It
This recipe pairs well with:
- This recipe pairs well with:
- white rice
- mashed potatoes
- cornbread
- mustard greens
- cabbage
- macaroni and cheese
- green beans
How to Store and Reheat
Allow the beef neck bones to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish.
FAQ
They can be tough before cooking, but after slow braising they become tender and flavorful.
Yes. After preparing everything on the stovetop, cover the pot and bake at 325°F for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
You can, but beef broth adds much more flavor. If you use water only, you may need to add more seasoning.
They are done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
This Beef Neck Bones Recipe is rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavor. The tender meat, savory broth, and homemade gravy make it a satisfying meal that is perfect for serving with your favorite side dishes. Whether you make it for Sunday dinner or a cozy family meal, this is one recipe that delivers every time.
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Beef Neck Bones Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds neck bones
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 4 tablespoons canola oil divided
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1 sprig rosemary
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the cleaned and dried neck bones into a large bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and coat each piece.
- Season the neck bones with half of the seasoning mixture and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the neck bones in batches until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute.
- Stir in the flour and cook until golden brown.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth and water then stir until combined.
- Return the neck bones to the pot.
- Add the thyme, rosemary, and remaining seasoning mixture.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
- Serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides.
