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Southern Beef Neck Bones

This Southern Beef Neck Bones recipe is a homestyle favorite cooked on the stove until the meat from the neck bones falls off the bone. Pair this with rice, greens, or cornbread. You may also love our Pork Neck Bones.

Southern beef neck bones on a plate with rice and cabbage

What Are Neck Bones

Beef neck bones are the meat and bone from the neck of a cow. They have a small amount of meat on them and when simmered, the meat is tender and juicy. Neck bones are very inexpensive and are often served for soul food meals along with Collard Greens and Southern Cornbread.

beef neck bones in a glass bowl

Where to Buy Them

You may find packages of neck bones with little to no meat, which are mostly bones. Pay close attention and look for packages with meatier bones.

I find them readily available in local grocery stores. You can also check specialty markets, even some Asian grocery stores.

beef broth, onions, and spices in separate bowls

How to Make Southern Beef Neck Bones

  1. Pat the neck bones dry and season both sides.
  2. Place a large pot on medium-high heat. When hot add the olive oil along with the seasoned neck bones.
  3. Sear each side of each neck bone.
  4. Add onions and saute.
  5. Add broth to the pot and deglaze the pot by scooping up any brown bits.
  6. Adjust the heat to medium-low. Simmer.
collage of 4 photos with beef neck bones seared in a pot with onions

Cook Time

You will need to simmer them on the stove for a couple of hours. If you like them really tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone, it will take 3-4 hours to cook.

Can You Add Vegetables?

Absolutely! Just about any vegetable will work. Simply add them to the pot to cook low with the meat.

  • Collard Greens
  • Kale
  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Broccoli

How to Store Them

Cooked neck bones can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.

southern beef neck bones in a pot with broth

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Pair With These Recipes

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
African American Cornbread Dressing
Southern Fried Okra

Southern beef neck bones on a plate with rice and cabbage
Southern beef neck bones on a plate with rice and cabbage
Print Pin
5 from 4 votes

Southern Beef Neck Bones

This Southern Beef Neck Bones recipe is a homestyle favorite cooked on the stove until the meat from the neck bones falls off the bone. Pair this with rice, greens, or cornbread.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 728kcal
Author Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

  • 2-3 pounds beef neck bones
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cups broth Any broth: beef, chicken, pork, vegetable or water. Use enough liquid to cover the neck bones.
  • 1 cup chopped onions I used white onions.

Instructions

  • Pat the neck bones dry and season both sides of each with the spices.
  • Place a large pot on medium-high heat. When hot add the olive oil along with the seasoned neck bones.
  • Sear each side of each neck bone. Remove the neck bones from the pot.
  • Add the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes or until soft and fragrant.
  • Add the broth to the pot and deglaze the pot by scooping up any brown bits (leave them in the pot for flavor) with a spatula or wooden spoon.
  • Add the neck bones back to the pot. Ensure the neck bones are covered in liquid. Add additional if necessary. They will take longer to cook if they are not completely covered
  • Adjust the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-4 hours. The longer the neck bones cook, the more tender they will be. Fall-off-the-bone neck bones typically take 3-4 hours.

Notes

You can season the neck bones with whatever you want and substitute Creole seasoning for any of your favorite spices or beef rubs.
While the neck bones cook, check in and add additional liquid to the pot as the liquid cooks down.
Just like ham hocks, you may find packages of neck bones with little to no meat, which are mostly bones. Pay close attention and look for packages with meatier bones.
I find them readily available in local grocery stores. You can also check specialty markets, even some Asian grocery stores.
You will need to simmer them on the stove for a couple of hours. If you like them really tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone, it will take 3-4 hours to cook.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 728kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 52g
Recipe Rating




Melanie

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Easy to make and delicious 😋

Brandi Crawford

Friday 18th of August 2023

Glad to hear it!

Zayre

Tuesday 4th of July 2023

Tasty and very easy to make.

Davinah Cenou Montezuma

Monday 10th of July 2023

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop back and review this!

William Skipwith

Monday 27th of February 2023

Good to go

Brandi Crawford

Friday 31st of March 2023

Wonderful!