How to Make Beef Tallow Right at Home 3 Easy Methods

Make beef tallow at home using the slow cooker, oven, or stovetop. It’s a natural, healthy fat that has been a key ingredient in traditional kitchens for generations. Not only is it perfect for high-heat cooking like frying and roasting, but it also has a variety of other uses, from skincare to homemade candles.

Prep Time10

Cook Time3

Total Time3 10

Course: sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cooking tips, food preservation, how to cook, preserving food

Servings: cups

Calories: 3683kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Dutch Oven

Canning jars with lids and bands

Roasting Pan

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Ingredients

2 Pounds Beef Fat Trimmings or beef suet
1 Cup Water

Instructions

Stove-Top Method (Dry or Wet Rendering)

Chop fat into small pieces using a knife or food processor.
2 Pounds Beef Fat Trimmings
For dry rendering, skip the water and place the fat in a Dutch oven and cook over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
For wet rendering, add 1 cup of water to the fat. This helps prevent burning and keeps the fat from scorching. Stir occasionally and let it slowly melt over low heat. The water will evaporate during the process.
1 Cup Water

Slow Cooker Method

Add chopped fat to the slow cooker—no water is needed as the fat will release its moisture.
Set the slow cooker on low. Depending on your slow cooker and the amount of fat, this process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. Stir halfway through, and check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Spread the chopped fat in a single layer in a roasting pan.
Bake for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes. The fat will slowly melt, and liquid tallow will accumulate in the pan.

Strain and Store

Once the fat has melted into liquid tallow, strain it through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove impurities and cracklings. Pour the clean tallow into a glass container while still liquid. Allow it to cool and solidify.

Nutrition