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Southern beef neck bones on a plate with rice and cabbage
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4.88 from 8 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