Tender braised neck bones smothered in thick, savory gravy are a soul food family comfort classic. This budget-friendly, protein-rich dish is deeply flavorful and best served over rice.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Pat the pork neck bones dry and season all sides evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Sear the neck bones in batches, turning until well browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté, stirring often, until vegetables are softened and golden, about 7 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until the flour is golden and smells toasted. Gradually pour in water while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Return neck bones and accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and the gravy is thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.