Description
Fall Off the Bone Tender is the ultimate comfort food dinner featuring slow-cooked, succulent meat that melts apart with every bite. This fork-tender beef or pork recipe is rich, savory, and perfect for cozy nights or crowd-pleasing meals. Ideal for anyone searching for slow cooker meals, tender beef recipes, or hearty Sunday dinners. Pair it with mashed potatoes, veggies, or biscuits for a full meal.
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
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the meat on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and golden.
4. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Deglaze the pot with beef broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom.
6. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Return the meat to the pot.
7. Cover and cook on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours (or in oven at 300°F).
8. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
9. Once meat is tender, remove carefully. Optionally reduce sauce.
10. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
The longer the meat simmers, the more tender it gets.
Always brown the meat first—it deepens the flavor.
This recipe tastes even better the next day after reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooked / Braised
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg