What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love this oxtail recipe because it’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners. It’s easier to make than you think, with tender meat that falls right off the bone.
- Deep, savory flavors from slow cooking with herbs and spices.
- Comforting and hearty, ideal for chilly nights or family gatherings.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Recipe

Oxtail is a rich, flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender and succulent when slow-cooked. This recipe yields a hearty dish with deep, savory notes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs oxtail, trimmed and cut into segments
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening, optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season oxtail with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Deglaze with red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits.
- Return oxtail to the pot and add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 3–4 hours until meat is fork-tender.
- If desired, thicken the sauce by mixing flour with a little water and stirring into the pot. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes:
- For extra depth, marinate oxtail overnight in red wine and spices before cooking.
- Skim excess fat from the surface during cooking for a lighter sauce.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 3–4 hours
Cuisine:
– American/Comfort Food
Serving:
– 4–6 servings
Nutrition
Oxtail is a rich and flavorful cut of meat that provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. This homemade recipe offers a hearty meal with balanced nutrition.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade oxtail with creamy mashed potatoes, their smooth texture perfectly balances the rich, savory meat. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, steamed jasmine rice works just as well and soaks up all those delicious juices. Both options make the meal feel complete and extra satisfying.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Because oxtail has such a rich, meaty flavor, pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes creates a meal that’ll leave you craving more. I love how the buttery, smooth potatoes soak up the savory juices from the oxtail, making every bite even better. To get them just right, I boil Yukon Golds until tender, then mash them with warm cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Sometimes I add a splash of garlic powder for extra flavor. Trust me, once you try this combo, you won’t want to eat oxtail any other way—it’s comfort food at its finest.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
When I’m looking for a simple yet satisfying side to pair with hearty dishes, steamed jasmine rice is my go-to. Its light, floral aroma balances rich flavors like oxtail, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. I rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then let it simmer with a pinch of salt—trust me, it makes a difference. The grains come out fluffy and fragrant, perfect for scooping up tender meat. It’s my secret for turning a meal into something special without extra fuss. Plus, it’s so easy, even my kids can help make it.








