Southern Beef Neck Bones

Steeped in tradition, beef neck bones are a beloved staple in Southern kitchens, known for their tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that transforms any meal into a comforting feast. This dish brings together simple ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the amazing flavors to develop and deepen over time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying beef neck bones for the first time, this recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking. You may also love our Southern Pork Neck Bones.

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Key Ingredients

• Beef Neck Bones
• Broth
• Olive Oil
• Smoked Paprika
• Creole Seasoning
• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

What Are Neck Bones/Where Do They Come From?

Just like it sounds, neck bones are taken from the neck.  It is a very economical cut. Due to the tendons and bones found in the neck, it can be a rather tough cut if cooked quickly. You have to cook neck bones low and slow. The meat will become super tender and have so much flavor.

Neck bones are very inexpensive and are often served for Southern meals along with Southern Collard Greens and Southern Cornbread.

Neck bones are also great stocks, soups, and gravy. You can make bone broth using neck bones.

Where to Buy

I often find that beef neck bones have more meat than pork neck bones which are mostly bones. I still like to pay close attention and look for packages with meatier bones.

How to Make Southern Beef Neck Bones

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Pat the neck bones dry and season both sides of each with the spices.
2. Place a Dutch oven or large pot on medium-high heat. When hot, add olive oil along with the seasoned neck bones.
3. Sear each side of each neck bone.
4. Add onions and saute.
5. Add broth and vegetables to the pot and deglaze.
6. Cover the pot and simmer.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

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.

More Ways to Season Neck Bones and Add Flavor

• Cajun Seasoning
• Bell Peppers
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Basil, Rosemary)
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Soy Sauce
• Brown Sugar
• Hot Sauce
• Beer or Red Wine
• Fresh Lemon Juice

How to Add Smoky Flavor

I love to use smoked paprika to add smoked neck bones flavor. You can also add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the broth.

How to Smother them in Gravy

You can save your neck bone drippings once the neck bones have cooked, and use it to make gravy. You can follow the steps from my Turkey Gravy with Drippings recipe.

Vegetables You Can Add

• Carrots
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Broccoli
• Green Beans

How to Store Them

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

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 Side Dishes

Creamy Butter Beans
Cornbread Muffins
Southern Cabbage
Southern Turnip Greens
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Cornbread Dressing with Chicken
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Tender Juicy Oxtail recipe

More Recipes

Braised Beef Chuck Short Ribs
Beef Tips and Gravy
Eye of Round Roast Beef
Bone in or Boneless Prime Rib
Thanksgiving Chicken
Cajun Dirty Rice
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Southern Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey

Want to make it in a slow cooker? Check out our Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones recipe.
Watch step by step instructions in the Youtube video here.