The meat broth is a staple recipe in Italian cuisine, perfect for adding flavor to tortellini, passatelli, risottos, or simply to warm up on cold days. Making it at home is easy and genuine: with a few fresh ingredients, you can get a rich and flavorful broth without adding bouillon cubes or artificial flavors.
If you want to shorten the preparation time, you can use a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot, two methods that allow you to get a tasty broth in less than an hour without the need to constantly monitor the cooking. I’ll explain both procedures to let you choose the one that best suits your needs!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 servings
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs Beef (short ribs with bone or a mix of shoulder, chuck and brisket)
- 2 Carrots
- 2 stalks Celery
- 1 Onion
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 8.5 cups Water
Tools
- 1 Pressure Cooker
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 Slotted Spoon
- 1 Sieve fine
Preparation with the Pressure Cooker
Wash and peel the carrots, remove the strings from the celery, and peel the onion. Cut everything into coarse pieces. If using fresh tomato, score it lightly to release more flavor.
If the pieces are very large, cut them into more manageable portions (about 1.5-2 inches) so they release more flavor into the broth.
Place meat, vegetables, salt, pepper, and water into the pot. Close the lid and turn on the heat. When the valve starts whistling, lower the heat and cook for 35-40 minutes maintaining constant pressure.
Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally or gently lift the valve, being careful of the hot steam.
Remove meat and vegetables from the pot. If the broth is very fatty, let it cool to make it easier to remove the fat with a slotted spoon. For a clearer broth, strain it with a fine sieve.
It is ready to be used immediately or stored.
Prepare Ingredients
Wash and coarsely chop the vegetables.
Cut the meat into smaller pieces if necessary.
Browning (optional but recommended for more flavor)
Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and add a drizzle of oil.
Sear the meat for a few minutes on all sides. This will intensify the broth’s flavor.
Add the onion and let it lightly brown.
Add Ingredients
Add the vegetables and cover with about 8.5 cups of water.
Add salt, pepper, and, if desired, a clove in the onion for extra aroma.
Pressure Cooking
Close the lid and set to High Pressure for 45 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes.
Strain and Store
Remove meat and vegetables.
If necessary, let cool and skim the fat from the surface.
Strain with a fine sieve for a clear broth.
Benefits of Using the Instant Pot
✔ Hands-free automatic cooking
✔ Less evaporation, so you get more broth
✔ More intense flavor if you do the initial browning
Useful Tips
For a more flavorful broth, add a clove into the onion or a sprig of parsley.
If you want a lighter broth, remove the fat once cool with a spoon.
For a richer version, use a mix of meat with bone, which gives more flavor and collagen.
You can store the broth in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container or freeze it in 1-2 cup portions to have it ready anytime.
Recipe Variation
Chicken Broth: replace the beef with a whole chicken or chicken thighs.
Mixed Broth: use a mix of beef and chicken for a more balanced flavor.
Vegetable Broth: omit the meat and add potatoes, leeks, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
FAQ – Meat Broth
Can the broth be made without a pressure cooker?
Yes, but the cooking time increases to about 2-3 hours on low heat.
Can I use the broth for other preparations?
Of course! It is perfect for risottos, soups, and even as a base for sauces and roasts.
Why is my broth cloudy?
It might be due to too vigorous boiling. Always cook it on low heat after the initial boil.
Can I reuse the boiled meat?
Absolutely! Use it for salads, meatballs, or simply with a drizzle of oil and lemon.
Making meat broth at home is a simple gesture that makes a difference in the kitchen. With a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a perfect base for a thousand recipes. Try it and discover the pleasure of homemade broth, preservative-free and with all the taste of tradition!
