I used to make stock on the stovetop with a huge pot that simmered for about 4-5 hours.  I started off with six quarts of water and would only end up with about 3 quarts of stock.

It took me a long time to try making stock in the slow cooker.  I think a part of me was afraid that it wouldn’t turn out right but friends, I was wrong.  Oh so very wrong.

The first time I made stock using the slow cooker was last Thanksgiving and I will not be going back to the old method at all.

I don’t have a pressure cooker or an Instapot so for me, the slow cooker is the best method for getting the most flavorful and rich stock.

Using my basic recipe for broth:

Bones + Veggies + Salt + Apple Cider Vinegar + Crapton of Water

I add all these things to my slow cooker and I fill the slow cooker all the way to the tippy top with water.  Put it on high and forget about it.  Once the liquid inside reaches a nice simmer (which takes about 6 hours), I turn the temperature to low and let that baby go for 24+ hours.

Yes, 24+ hours.

The house smells amazing and I end up with the best stock I’ve ever made.  When I get up in the mornings I’ll top off the slow cooker with more water to bring the level back up to the tippy top and give it at least another 6 hours.

I strain everything out and portion out the stock.  Typically I end up with about 5+ quarts of stock.  Chicken is my favorite but I’ve done this with beef and pork as well.

In fact, I just picked up some pork neck bones with my local hog share and I cannot wait to make some amazing stock out of that.  Pho in da house for daaayyyyzzz!

Some folks who use or drink stock on a daily basis will keep the slow cooker going for a week, topping off the water to replace what they remove.  I may try that if we get to a point where we are drinking stock on the regular but for now 24+ hours is perfect.

The best part (aside from the result!) is that making stock in the slow cooker means the house doesn’t steam up and I can move on to other things without having to babysit a big pot on the stove.

Now go make yourself slow cooker stock!