Save yourself a trip to the grocery by using one of these 25 Easy Substitutes For Beef Broth In A Slow Cooker.
We have all had it happen, you are right in the middle of making a recipe, and you realize you are out of beef broth so you can finish making dinner. So if you're looking for a beef broth substitute in your slow cooker recipes, you're in luck. Here are several great substitutes that will give your dish a rich beef-like flavor. Read on to learn more about the best substitutes for beef broth in the slow cooker.
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Beef broth substitutes and flavor enhancers
There are several great substitutes for beef broth in the slow cooker. These substitutes will give your dish a rich flavor without using beef broth.
1. Beef bouillon cubes
Beef bouillon cubes are a great way to add beef flavor to your recipe without using beef broth. Simply add one tablespoon of bouillon cube per cup of water called for in the recipe. You can also add a tablespoon of soy sauce to give your dish an extra boost of beef flavor.
2. Chicken broth
Chicken broth is an excellent substitute for beef broth in most recipes. It has a lighter flavor than beef broth but will still give your dish a rich flavor.
3. Vegetable broth
Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian substitute for beef broth. It has a similar flavor and can be used in most recipes. You can purchase veggie broth at any grocery store or make your own homemade broth with some plain water, vegetable scraps, a bay leaf, and your desired amount of salt. You can also add onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
4. Beef base
Beef base is a concentrated form of beef broth that is typically used in soup recipes. It has a strong beef flavor and can be added to water to create a beef broth substitute.
When substituting beef base for beef broth, use one tablespoon of base per cup of water called for in the recipe.
5. Miso paste
Miso paste is a fermented soybean paste with a rich, umami flavor. It is often used in soup recipes and can be used as a substitute for beef broth.
To substitute miso paste for beef broth, mix one tablespoon of paste per cup of water called for in the recipe.
6. Beef stock or beef bone broth
Beef stock or bone broth is an excellent substitute for beef broth in most recipes. It has a richer flavor and higher nutrition and can be used in place of beef broth.
7. Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a great way to add flavor to your dish without using beef broth. Simply add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to your recipe to give it a boost of flavor.
8. Chicken stock
Chicken stock is an excellent substitute for beef broth in most recipes. It has a lighter flavor than beef broth but will still give your dish a rich flavor.
To substitute chicken stock for beef broth, use half the amount of stock per cup of water called for in the recipe.
9. French onion soup
French onion soup is another great way to add depth of flavor to a dish without beef broth. Simply sauté onions in a bit of olive oil until they're softened and browned, then add them to the slow cooker with your other ingredients. For an extra boost of flavor, you can also add a splash of white wine or sherry to the pot.
Be sure to try my Authentic Tasting Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Dip Recipe. It's a great way to keep onion soup mix on hand in your pantry.
10. Vegetable stock
If you have a bit of extra time, you can make your own vegetable stock to use in place of beef broth. Simply simmer carrots, celery, onions, and garlic in water for about an hour, then strain the liquid and use it in your recipe. You can also add herbs and spices for additional flavor.
11. Steak sauce
Steak sauce is another great way to add flavor to a dish without using beef broth. Simply add a few tablespoons of steak sauce to the slow cooker along with your other ingredients.
12. Mushroom broth
In many slow cooker recipes, you can use mushroom broth as a delicious and healthy substitute for beef broth. Simply substitute one cup of mushroom broth for every one cup of beef broth called for in your recipe. You can find mushroom broth at most health food stores or online.
I like to keep mushroom broth concentrate on hand. It adds a rich flavor and fits into my plant-based diet.
13. Red wine
Red wine is a great way to add flavor to your dish without using beef broth. Simply add a small amount of red wine to your recipe when you would typically add beef broth. The exact amount will depend on your personal preferences, but start with a quarter cup and go from there.
14. White wine
White wine can also be used as a substitute for beef broth in the slow cooker. Simply add a small amount of white wine to your recipe when you would generally add beef broth. Your own preferences will determine the precise amount, but start with a quarter cup and work your way up.
15. Red wine sauce
A rich and flavorful red wine sauce can be made by simmering red wine and any variety of broth together on the stovetop. Once reduced, this sauce is perfect for spooning over roast beef, grilled steak, or even roasted vegetables.
16. Mushroom gravy
Mushroom gravy is another excellent way to add flavor to a dish without using beef broth. To make it, simply sauté mushrooms and onions in a bit of butter or oil until softened. Then, add flour to make a roux and cook for a minute or two. Finally, whisk in veggie or chicken broth and let the gravy simmer until thickened.
17. Miso soup
Miso soup is a Japanese soup made with fermented soybean paste, and it's a great way to add umami flavor to a dish without using beef broth. Simply dissolve miso paste in water and add it to the slow cooker along with your other ingredients.
18. Tomato juice
Tomato juice can be used as a substitute for beef broth in many slow cooker recipes. The acidity of the tomato juice will help to break down the meat and add flavor to your dish. Simply substitute one cup of tomato juice for every one cup of beef broth called for in your recipe.
19. Vegetable juice
Vegetable juice is another excellent option for substituting beef broth in the slow cooker. It's packed with nutrients and will add flavor to your dish without adding any fat or calories. Simply replace one cup of vegetable juice for every one cup of beef broth called for in your recipe.
20. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another excellent way to add flavor to your dish without using beef broth. Simply add a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your recipe when you would typically add beef broth. The exact amount will depend on your personal preferences, but start with a tablespoon and go from there.
21. Aus Jus
Aus jus is a type of beef gravy that is made by simmering beef bones or trimmings in water. Once the liquid has been reduced, it is strained and typically served with roast beef. I use this packet of season mix in my How To Cook Melt In The Mouth Roast Beef And Gravy. This recipe has so much gravy for topping mashed potatoes.
22. Liquid Aminos
Liquid aminos is a sauce made from soybeans that is similar to soy sauce. It is a great way to add flavor to a dish without using beef broth. Simply add a few tablespoons of liquid aminos to the slow cooker along with your other ingredients.
23. Soy Sauce
Another fantastic option to flavor a dish without needing beef broth is to use soy sauce. Just combine a few teaspoons of soy sauce with the remaining ingredients in the slow cooker.
24. Bone Broth Concentrate
It's easy to have bone broth on hand when you buy a 24-serving bottle of Beef Bone Broth Concentrate.
How to make homemade beef broth
If you want a really rich flavorful beef broth on hand all the time, then you can easily make your own beef bone broth at home. With just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker, you will easily have rich beef broth. After making the broth, freeze it into cubes or by a pint. This will make it super easy to add to recipes.
🛒 Ingredient notes
To make homemade beef broth, you will need a few simple ingredients.
- Beef bones: The best bones for beef bone broth include knuckles, joints, marrow bones, oxtail or short ribs.
- Veggies: I like to put onion, carrot, and celery, but you can add other veggies that you enjoy, such as parsnips.
- Apple cider vinegar: This helps break down the bones as they cook to create a rich broth.
- Herbs: fresh parsley, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and peppercorns.
See the recipe card for a complete list and quantities.
🔪 Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to broil. Place the beef bones on the sheet pan.
2. Place the bones on a rack 8 inches under the broiler in your oven. Brown the bones for 5 minutes, then flip them over and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
3. When finished, add the bones to your slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, celery, vinegar, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and water.
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 12 hours. If you want a richer bone broth, cook for another 6 to 8 hours.
When finished cooking, remove the bones and large pieces of vegetables from the broth using a large slotted spoon. Place a strainer over a large bowl and ladle the broth into the strainer. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days or freeze.
💭 Tips for Freezing homemade broth
Allow broth to cool to room temperature.
- Place one cup of broth in a quart freezer bag. Carefully seal and lay flat on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, remove the cookie sheet and stack the bags.
- You could also use Souper Cubes 2-Cup Extra-Large Silicone Freezer Tray with lid- 2 pack. Freeze broth in cubes and then remove them and store in freezer bags or leave them as is in the cube tray.
Thawing instructions
Allow the broth to thaw overnight in your refrigerator. You could also fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and place frozen bags in it. You will not need to completely thaw. As it gets soft, break apart the large pieces and place them in your recipe.
⭐ Hint: Need some extra help in the kitchen? Check out these helpful kitchen tips!
You can use your homemade beef broth to make this easy Copycat French onion soup. It's a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your soup without using store-bought broth. Plus, it's much cheaper than buying beef broth at the store.
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Recipe
Beef Broth In A Slow Cooker
Note:
To save you ink, video and equipment images will not print.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound marrow beef bones
- 1 medium onion peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 carrots Large size chopped into large pieces. You do not need to peel.
- 4 celery stalk Chopped in large pieces, use the leaves and stalks.
- 1 sprig thyme 4 inches long
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 12 cups water
- 2 bay leaves medium size
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to broil. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the beef bones on the sheet pan.
- Place the bones on a rack 8 inches under the broiler in your oven. Brown the bones for 5 minutes, then flip them over and broil for an additional 5 minutes.
- When finished, add the bones to your slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, celery, vinegar, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and water.
- Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 12 hours. If you want a richer bone broth, cook for another 6 to 8 hours.
- When finished cooking, remove the bones and large pieces of vegetables from the broth using a large slotted spoon. Place a strainer over a large bowl and ladle the broth into the strainer. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days or freeze.
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Notes
- Place one cup of broth in a quart freezer bag. Carefully seal and lay flat on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, remove the cookie sheet and stack the bags.
- You could also use Souper Cubes 2-Cup Extra-Large Silicone Freezer Tray with lid- 2 packs. Freeze broth in cubes and then remove them and store in freezer bags or leave them as is in the cube tray.
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