Beef bones are a delicious way to add flavour and nutrition to any dish. In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss the different types of beef bones, where to buy them, how to store them, and the amazing health benefits they offer. We’ll also provide tips on how to cook with them and answer the popular question – which beef bones are safe for dogs?
Let’s get started!
Where to Buy Beef Bones
Beef bones can be purchased from a variety of places, including butcher shops, grocery stores, and online. Beef bones have increased in popularity so if your local butcher has run out of them, check back soon!
When selecting beef bones, it is important to consider how you will be cooking them to determine which beef bone cut you need.
The Different Types of Beef Bones
There are a few different types of beef bones as well as different styles to cut them.
Knuckle Bones
Knuckle bones are found at the end of long bones. The bone is dense with marrow on the interior. The round exterior is covered in a layer of cartilage with the odd piece of tendon and ligaments. Knuckle bones can be quite large so most butchers cut a knuckle bone into a few manageable pieces. The high cartilage content of knuckle bones makes them the ideal choice for a rich, gelatinous beef broth.
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Marrow Bones
Marrow bones stem from long, strong bones such as the femur. The term ‘marrow bones’ is derived from the succulent marrow that these particular bones are so rich in! Marrow bones can be cut in several different ways:
- Long bone left whole can be smoked as a dog bone
- Cut into wheels for soups and stews, roasted marrow or dog treats
- Cut canoe-style for roasted beef bone marrow recipes
Marrow bones are often from femur (upper hind leg) bones, but also can be from the tibia (lower hind leg), humerus (upper front leg), ulna and radius (lower front leg).
Rib Bones
The rib bones are found in the ribcage of beef cattle. These can be found on short ribs, prime rib steaks and roasts, chicago ribs, and more.
When ordering a side or quarter of beef, you can request to have these bones included in your order. Though the ribs may be small, some cooks enjoy utilizing them to create a delicious stock!
Pelvic Bones
This pelvic bone is joined by the base of the spine and is divided by the abatoir into two. These bones tend to be softer.
Scapula Bones
These bones are from the shoulders, one from each side. Much like the pelvic bone, these bones are also softer than long bones.
Other Bones
Many other bones are often cooked with the meat including oxtail, shank, prime rib, t-bones, short ribs and more.
Ways to Cook with Beef Bones
Beef broth or beef stock (aka bone broth) is the base for so many different recipes. To make broth, simply simmer roasted beef bones in water with aromatics such as onions, carrots, celery, and herbs for several hours on low heat. You can speed up the process of making broth by using a pressure cooker or instapot.
Once you have a beef broth, you can use this to make soup, stew, sauces, osso buco, pot roasts and more.
If you’re looking to take things up a notch, try making a demi-glace with your beef broth. Demi-glace is a thick brown sauce in French cuisine that is used as a finishing sauce on meats or as a base for other sauces.
Looking to Make Roasted Marrow Bones?
Ask your butcher for canoe-cut marrow bones. These are long bones that are cut length-wise to reveal the marrow interior. If you can’t find canoe-cut bones, you can use marrow bone wheels. Roast the marrow bones at 450˚F for about 15-25 minutes and serve with crusty bread.
Tips for Cooking with Beef Bones
Cooking with beef bones is a great way to add flavor. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your beef bones:
- Roasting bones brings out the flavour when making stock or broth
- Sprinkle the bones with sea salt
- Roast them on high heat (450˚F)
- Oil is not needed when roasting bones since the marrow is fat
Storing Beef Bones – How Long Do They Last?
Beef bones can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for up to three months. When storing bones in the freezer, it is best to wrap them in a layer of plastic or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Health Benefits of Beef Bones
Beef broth is abundant in proteins and amino acids like glycine and proline, which your body uses to make collagen. After all, collagen is the most prevalent protein within our bodies!
Nourishing your body with high-quality collagen is beneficial for muscles, bones, skin, hair and joints. When crafted with vegetables in the mix, you’ll gain even more nutritional value from bone broth. Not only will it be incredibly nourishing but also incredibly delicious! References [1], [2], [3]
Can Dogs Eat Beef Bones?
Beef bones can be a great treat for dogs, but it is important to note a few things for the safety of your pet.
First off, bones should not be given as a nutritional replacement for their food. Beef bones are a treat that keeps them busy. Pets should always be supervised when given beef bones (or any bones!) to make sure they are consumed safely.
Also, note that not every bone is suitable for dogs. Hard bones such as the knuckle and long bones are safer for your pet. Soft bones such as the scapula (shoulder blade bone), pelvic (hip) and rib bones should be avoided as these pose a greater risk of choking or splintering when consumed.
Lastly, the bones given to your pet should be raw. Cooked bones have the potential to splinter and cause choking or internal harm to your pet.
However, an exception does exist: smoked bones. You can find smoked long bones at many pet stores. You can make smoked dog bones at home, as long as the smoking process is done for a sufficient length of time and the correct bone is used (long or marrow).
Final Thoughts
Beef bones can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. From making beef broth, soups, and osso buco to providing an enjoyable snack for your pet – there are many ways you can use beef bones! When cooking with them, it’s important to keep in mind that not all bones are the same. Ask your butcher for assistance in selecting the bones you need for your recipe!
Bon appétit!
