Name: Fall Off the Bone Tender
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs or pork ribs; 1 large onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 2 bay leaves

If you’re looking for a soul-warming, flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself, this Fall Off the Bone Tender recipe is the answer. Imagine rich, slow-cooked meat so tender it slips off with just a fork, bathed in a savory sauce that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed Sunday dinner, this dish fits right in and fills the kitchen with aromas that feel like a warm hug.

This recipe is ideal for anyone craving comfort food without complicated steps. It turns a humble cut of meat into something worthy of a holiday table. With minimal prep and plenty of payoff, it’s perfect for feeding family or impressing guests. Best of all, it can be paired with countless sides to suit your mood or season.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Off the Bone Tender Recipe

This dish is a true winner when it comes to ease and satisfaction. It requires just a handful of pantry staples and a few hours of patience to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll love how it develops a deep flavor without needing constant attention. Whether you use ribs, shanks, or another cut, the slow cooking method guarantees that fork-tender finish every single time.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Fall Off the Bone Tender Meals?

This recipe works wonderfully with beef short ribs, pork ribs, oxtails, or lamb shanks. The key is to use bone-in cuts with good marbling—these break down slowly and release gelatin and flavor into the sauce. Avoid lean cuts, as they can dry out. Whichever meat you choose, make sure it’s well-seasoned and browned before the long simmer begins.

Ingredients for the Fall Off the Bone Tender Recipe

This recipe uses a blend of rich, aromatic ingredients that help the meat turn succulent and deeply flavorful. Each item here plays a role in creating layers of taste that meld beautifully during slow cooking.

Bone-in beef short ribs or pork ribs
Onion
Garlic cloves
Beef broth
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar
Apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Fresh thyme and rosemary (or dried)
Bay leaves

How To Make the Fall Off the Bone Tender Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Meat

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until softened and golden. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for a minute to caramelize.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in beef broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Add fresh herbs and bay leaves. Return the seared meat to the pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low heat (stovetop or oven at 300°F) for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone. For a hands-off method, you can also use a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 5: Serve

Once done, remove the meat gently and reduce the sauce if needed. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Serving and Storing This Tender Meat Recipe

This recipe easily feeds 4 to 6 people, depending on the cut and sides. Serve it straight from the pot over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or rice to soak up the sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth.

What to Serve With Fall Off the Bone Tender Meat?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic partner for this rich dish. They absorb the savory sauce perfectly.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Try a medley of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

A crisp, bright contrast that adds freshness to the plate.

Polenta

Soft and creamy polenta provides a smooth backdrop that complements the meat’s texture.

Rice Pilaf

Flavored rice adds a light touch and balances the richness of the meat.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Perfect for sopping up every bit of the luscious sauce.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Their earthy flavor makes a great pairing and adds another layer of umami.

Simple Side Salad

Something with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, like arugula or spinach with lemon dressing.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Fall Off the Bone Tender recipe, you might also want to check out these hearty, satisfying mains from Luna Meals:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Have you tried this with lamb shanks or oxtail? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave your tweaks, questions, or photos in the comments below.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food favorites and weeknight dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to meal for every season!

Conclusion

Fall Off the Bone Tender is one of those timeless, foolproof meals that never fails to comfort. With just a little prep and a bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that feels like it came from a cozy family kitchen. Rich, flavorful, and versatile, it’s a recipe worth bookmarking and making on repeat.

Fall Off the Bone Tender

Why You’ll Love This Fall Off the Bone Tender Recipe

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Fall Off the Bone Tender Meals?

Ingredients for the Fall Off the Bone Tender Recipe