If you’re craving rich, hearty comfort food, oxtail recipes are about to become your new favorite!
This tender cut, when slow-cooked, transforms into melt-in-your-mouth goodness with deep, savory flavors.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet packed with gourmet taste.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours (slow simmer)
Perfect For: Families, Sunday dinners, meal prepping, and comfort-food lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Oxtail Recipe
- 🥩 Rich & flavorful – the slow cooking releases deep, savory flavors.
- 🍲 Perfect comfort food – hearty, warming, and filling.
- 👩🍳 Beginner-friendly – just brown, simmer, and let time do the magic.
- 🍷 Versatile – pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
- 🥘 Meal-prep friendly – tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients Needed
- 2–3 lbs oxtail, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with beef broth)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins / Substitutions:
- Swap oxtail with short ribs or beef shank if needed.
- Add potatoes for a one-pot stew.
- Use white wine instead of red for a lighter flavor.
How to Make Oxtail Recipes
- Prep the oxtail – Pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Brown the meat – Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Sear oxtails on all sides until golden brown, then remove.
- Sauté vegetables – Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add tomato paste & wine – Stir in tomato paste, then pour in wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits.
- Add broth & spices – Return oxtails to the pot. Pour in beef broth, add bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
- Slow simmer – Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2–3 hours until oxtails are tender and falling off the bone.
- Serve & enjoy – Remove bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- For extra richness – Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire.
- Make it spicy – Add chili flakes or Scotch bonnet peppers for a Caribbean twist.
- Air fryer option – You can brown the oxtails in an air fryer before simmering for less oil.
- Avoid this mistake – Don’t rush cooking. Low and slow brings out the best texture and flavor.
What to Serve It With
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fluffy white rice or rice & peas
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty bread rolls for dipping
- Light green salad for balance
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the oven. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
📌 Printable Oxtail Recipe
Ingredients: Oxtail, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, tomato paste, wine, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, olive oil, salt & pepper.
Instructions:
- Season & brown oxtail.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, celery.
- Stir in tomato paste, deglaze with wine.
- Add broth, bay leaves, and spices.
- Simmer 2–3 hrs until tender.
- Serve with rice, potatoes, or bread.
FAQs About Oxtail Recipes
1. What does oxtail taste like?
It has a rich, beefy flavor with a silky, gelatin-like texture when slow-cooked.
2. Can I cook oxtail in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5–6 hours until tender.
3. Do I need to clean oxtail before cooking?
Yes, rinse and pat dry. Some prefer soaking in vinegar water briefly before cooking.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Oxtail stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors deepen.
5. Is oxtail healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein and collagen, though it has higher fat content, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the best oxtail recipes, this slow-simmered version is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress.
Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will warm your heart and your belly.
Michael Brown is a passionate food lover who creates simple, flavorful recipes for everyday cooking. He focuses on easy-to-follow meals that bring comfort and joy to the table. With his creative twists, Michael helps home cooks make delicious dishes with confidence.
