Frequently Asked Questions
What are Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Short Ribs?
These are tender beef short ribs simmered in a crock pot with a zesty blend of taco seasoning, green bell pepper, and beef consomme.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended cooking time in the slow cooker?
The ribs should be cooked on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the short ribs in a skillet first enhances the flavor and creates a nice crust on the meat.
What size package of taco seasoning is needed?
You will need one package of dry taco seasoning mix, approximately 1 1/4 ounces.
What type of liquid is used in the sauce?
A 10.5-ounce can of liquid beef consomme is used as the base for the cooking liquid.
How should the green bell pepper be prepared?
The green bell pepper should be chopped and mixed into the beef consomme mixture.
What is the total weight of beef required?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of short rib of beef.
How should the short ribs be cut?
The short ribs should be cut into individual ribs before cooking.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 760 calories, 53g of fat, 6g of carbohydrates, and 64g of protein.
Can this recipe be considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 6g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb meal option.
What side dishes pair well with Mexican beef ribs?
These ribs pair beautifully with rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh garden salad.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Relevant tags include slow cooker, Mexican cuisine, beef ribs, taco flavors, comfort food, and family meal.
Do I need to add water to the crock pot?
No additional water is needed as the beef consomme provides the necessary moisture.
What should I do with excess fat after browning the meat?
You should pour off any excess fat from the skillet after browning the ribs to keep the dish from being too greasy.
Can I use beef broth instead of beef consomme?
While beef consomme is richer, you can substitute it with beef broth if needed, though the flavor may be slightly less intense.
Is this a good recipe for a family gathering?
Yes, it is designed as a comforting, set-it-and-forget-it meal perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Meat.
How do I ensure the ribs are tender?
Slow cooking on the LOW setting for at least 6 hours ensures the connective tissue in the short ribs breaks down properly.
What gives this recipe its Mexican flavor?
The combination of dry taco seasoning and green bell pepper provides a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
Can I cook this on the HIGH setting instead?
While LOW is recommended for maximum tenderness, you can typically cook it on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
How much green bell pepper is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutritional data, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 64 grams of protein in each serving of these ribs.
Should I cover the crock pot while cooking?
Yes, always keep the crock pot covered to maintain the temperature and moisture during the slow-cooking process.
Is the beef consomme added directly to the meat?
No, it is first mixed with the taco seasoning and bell pepper in a separate bowl before being poured over the meat.
What equipment is needed?
You will need a large skillet for browning, a medium bowl for mixing, and a crock pot or slow cooker.
Are the ribs coated in seasoning before browning?
No, the ribs are browned plain, and the seasoning is mixed into the liquid poured over them later.
Can I add extra vegetables to the crock pot?
Yes, you can easily add onions or additional peppers to customize the dish.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.