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Don't toss that leftover turkey carcass!! Use it to make this rich, amazingly delicious Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth. So perfect and flavorful, this turkey bone broth is super simple to make and packed full of nourishing nutrients.

Not only is this turkey bone broth amazingly delicious (I just drink it with a touch of salt), it is also super healthy. Packed full of minerals and collagen, it's one of those "superfoods" everyone talks about.
And it's super awesome used in place of regular turkey broth in recipes like this turkey and dumplings soup or this Instant Pot turkey ramen.
Plus, it's the perfect way to use that leftover turkey carcass. Just pick all the meat off and save for other dishes like these Stuffing Balls or this Turkey Lasagna.
Now you guys know I'm not usually interested in health trends, but I am in love with this turkey bone broth. It makes me feel fuzzy all over. There's nothing like sitting down on a cold day and sipping on a steaming cup of bone broth. And knowing that it is so good for me.
And hello collagen....the stuff that has been falling off my face for years now. Will this turkey bone broth replace that lost collagen?
Probably not...this likely won't make you look younger. However, the collagen will help reduce inflammation in your gut which is a definite plus.
You can also get tons of collagen in the chicken feet bone broth.
And all health aside, this turkey bone broth is DAMN tasty. For real. So rich and delicious. Plus instead of simmering for 20+ hours, we make this stuff in the Instant Pot in 2 hours!
If you haven't made the plunge and bought an Instant Pot yet, you should totally check out this article to see if it's right for you. I am in love with mine as it makes things so easy in the kitchen. READ MORE ABOUT THE INSTANT POT.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is basically just a type of stock. It is cooked for a long enough time that the collagen in the bones breaks down into the broth, which is what gives the broth it's gelatinous texture when chilled.
Bone broth is much thicker than your typically broth, which is usually made with more meat. I think it works so much better in soups and stews.
And you can use bone broth in place of regulars broth or stock in any recipe that calls for it. It'll add an extra deep flavor and richness to the recipe!
The Ingredients
Really, the main ingredient for this Instant Pot bone broth is bones. Like I stated above, the turkey carcass is the best to use for this recipe. You may need to break it done into smaller pieces to fit in the Instant Pot.
You can also change this recipe to use beef, chicken or pork bones. Just make sure you don't use marrow bones as they contain no meat and the marrow basically becomes liquefied fat when cooked. If you have marrow bones, you can make this Roasted Bone Marrow.
Step By Step Instructions
Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and cover with water. Keep water about 2" below the max fill line (maximum)**.
**I have read that there could possibly be a safety issue with filling the Instant Pot to the max fill line with liquid. I have not personally had any issues, but just to be safe I recommend filling 2" below the max fill line.
Note I do not add any salt to the bone broth. You are welcome to salt yours, but I prefer to do it after the fact. If you do choose to add salt, add it after the broth has cooked.
Cook on high pressure for 120 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
NOTE: I use a 6 quart Instant Pot, but the 8 quart can be used as well. Follow the same instructions.
Strain the broth through a sieve or a very finely woven strainer.
Place in the fridge overnight, then skim the excess fat off the next morning (see layer of fat in photo below).
I'll be honest, I leave the fat. I think it gives the broth an extra richness that I love. The choice is yours.
Note the gelatinous texture of the broth - it may look gross, but this is what makes it so tasty and good for you.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
I pour the bone broth in an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, Put the frozen cubes in a freezer bag so you can easily use it.
For anything not frozen in ice cubes, I recommend freezing in 1 cup portions.
It's that easy guys. Now you have this delicious rich, golden drinkable broth.
***You can also learn here how to make chicken broth or beef broth in the slow cooker as well as Instant Pot chicken bone broth***
Expert Tips
- I use a 6 quart Instant Pot, but the 8 quart can be used as well. Follow the same instructions. The water should cover the bones plus a couple inches, if you have room. **I have read that there could possibly be a safety issue with filling the Instant Pot to the max fill line with liquid. I have not personally had any issues, but just to be safe I recommend filling 2″ below the max fill line.
- I do not add any salt to the bone broth. You are welcome to salt yours, but I prefer to do it after the fact. If you do choose to add salt, add it after the broth has cooked.
- For a completely smooth bone broth, strain through a sieve. Personally I use a finely woven wire mesh strainer, but I don't need a perfectly smooth broth. You can strain it more than once if necessary.
- Straining the fat off the top is optional. I leave it as it adds a depth to the broth that I enjoy.
- Store the bone broth in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- To freeze: Pour the bone broth in an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, put the frozen cubes in a freezer bag so you can easily use it. For anything not frozen in ice cubes, I recommend freezing in 1 cup portions. It can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer.
What are the Benefits of Bone Broth?
Like I touched on above, bone broth is filled with collagen which helps improve inflammation in the gut. It also helps to support a healthy immune system, increases bone strength and protects your joints. Plus it tastes delicious.
**Note: I am not a doctor or a health professional. See your doctor for health recommendations.
How to Use Turkey Bone Broth
This Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth can be used in soups, stews, as a flavoring agent for cooking, or it can be used for drinking. Personally, I love it in soups and stews, but it usually doesn't get that far as I tend to drink it all. Because it's amazingly delicious.
Try it in place of the chicken broth in these recipes:
Tools Used
(paid links)
- Instant Pot (6 quart 9-in-1)
- Wire mesh strainer
- Ice cube tray
- 1 cup freezer safe containers
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Did you make this Instant Pot bone broth? rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey carcass (or 2-3 lbs. turkey bones)
- 2 carrots roughly chopped
- ½ onion
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- water to cover
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and cover with water. Keep water about 2" below the max fill line (maximum).
- Cook on high pressure for 120 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.
- Place in the fridge overnight, then skim the excess fat off the next morning (see layer of fat in photo below). **you can leave the fat for a richer broth.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Expert Tips:
- I use a 6 quart Instant Pot, but the 8 quart can be used as well. Follow the same instructions. The water should cover the bones plus a couple inches, if you have room. **I have read that there could possibly be a safety issue with filling the Instant Pot to the max fill line with liquid. I have not personally had any issues, but just to be safe I recommend filling 2″ below the max fill line.
- I do not add any salt to the bone broth. You are welcome to salt yours, but I prefer to do it after the fact. If you do choose to add salt, add it after the broth has cooked.
- For a completely smooth bone broth, strain through a sieve. Personally I use a finely woven wire mesh strainer, but I don't need a perfectly smooth broth. You can strain it more than once if necessary.
- Straining the fat off the top is optional. I leave it as it adds a depth to the broth that I enjoy.Â
- Store the bone broth in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- To freeze: Pour the bone broth in an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, put the frozen cubes in a freezer bag so you can easily use it. For anything not frozen in ice cubes, I recommend freezing in 1 cup portions. It can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer.Â
AG
Hi! I made the Turkey bone broth and it turned out amazing! I did add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar. I didn’t see that in your ingredient list. Is it not necessary with Turkey bone broth? Thanks!!
Danielle
I'm so glad you liked it! I've done a lot of testing both using and not using the ACV, and honestly haven't really found a difference so I left it out. It definitely won't hurt it, I'm just trying to simplify the recipes if I can 🙂
Leanne
I don't have an instant pot so made it on the stovetop. The wonderful smell reminded me of my mom making her homemade chicken soup when I was a little girl! This is the first time for me and definitely not the last time I'll make my own broth! Can't wait to taste it when it's done!
Danielle
I hope you love it!
Stirling Valerie
You don’t say whether the turkey carcus is raw or left over from roast?
I want to use raw. Should I roast them first.
Thank you
Valerie
Danielle
I typically use a leftover carcass as I'm not sure where to buy a raw one. But raw would work as well. If you want the broth to have more of a roasted turkey flavor, you can roast the carcass first, but it would be fine raw too.
Mateo Pedersen
I’ve been doing my bone broth on the stove top or in the slow cooker for years now. (I really only do it in the summer, but supplement with collagen peptides year round.) Now I keep hearing about this Instant Pot, and it’s sounding more and more tempting!
Danielle
It makes it so quick and easy - i love how I can get it done on a weeknight after work 🙂
SandyK
The Instant Pot is the best. I cook more healthy food now than ever.
Danielle
I agree!
Chris Collins
Perfect for this time of year and a very well informed tutorial! Thanks for sharing this!!
Danielle
You're welcome Chris!
Britt | Sweet Tea and Thyme
Great use of a too often forgotten part of their turkey!
Danielle
Totally! Thanks Britt 🙂
Tina
I have made beef bone broth but never turkey. Will definitely have to give this a go. I like to save my broth in the freezer for uses later. I'm going to whip up a big batch this year. Thanks for sharing this!
Danielle
I've got so much broth in my freezer too 🙂 It's a great way to put that turkey carcass to use!
Julia
Making stock/broth in instant pot is so easy, isn't it? I haven't thought of making it using turkey but putting it on my to do list now! 🙂
Danielle
I just love it! I search the freezer to look for things to make broth all the time LOL!
Jill
This is such a timely recipe to use up all the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner. Can I use the same method with a chicken carcass? I have those more often because I use rotisserie chickens a lot. Thanks!
Danielle
Totally! I use chicken all the time as I do cook chicken more often. I actually just used a goose carcass too which was awesome!