Recipe for Oxtails in Slow Cooker: Easy & Delicious Meal

Oxtails might not be the most common cut of meat that you cook with every day, but they are absolutely worth the effort. When prepared slowly and patiently, oxtails transform into a rich, flavorful, and tender dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.

Using a slow cooker to make oxtails not only saves you time and effort but also ensures the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender while soaking up a delicious blend of spices and aromatics. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a mouthwatering slow-cooked oxtail stew that will impress family and friends.

Slow cooking oxtails allows the collagen and marrow inside the bones to melt into the sauce, resulting in a luscious, velvety texture that’s unmatched by other cooking methods. Plus, it’s a hands-off process perfect for busy days.

Let’s dive into this hearty and comforting recipe that will soon become your go-to for a warming meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker oxtail recipe is the epitome of comfort food. The slow simmering process breaks down the tough connective tissues, making every bite incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful.

The rich, savory broth infused with herbs, spices, and vegetables makes this dish perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a soul-satisfying meal.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also effortless. Once you prep your ingredients and set your slow cooker, you can walk away and let the magic happen.

This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize the spice levels and sides to suit your taste.

Finally, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a less common but nutrient-packed cut of meat, offering a good dose of protein, collagen, and essential minerals.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds oxtails, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth (or stock)
• 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended)
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot or similar)
• Large skillet or frying pan for browning
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs for handling meat
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the oxtails: Pat the oxtails dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground allspice. This seasoning layer will help build the flavor base.
2. Brown the oxtails: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the oxtails on all sides until beautifully browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning seals in the juices and adds a deep, rich flavor.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce for 3-4 minutes. If you’re skipping wine, substitute with extra beef broth.
5. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the browned oxtails in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed vegetables along with the reduced wine, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
6. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours. The meat should be fork-tender and falling off the bone.
7. Final touches: Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and herb sprigs. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker sauce, you can transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced to your liking.
8. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor and tenderness, don’t skip browning the oxtails before slow cooking. It’s a small extra step that makes a big difference.”

• Make it spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing vegetables for a subtle heat.
• Vegetable additions: Throw in diced potatoes or parsnips in the last 2 hours of cooking for a heartier stew.
• Herb swaps: Try adding fresh oregano or bay leaves for a slightly different herbal profile.
• Thicken the sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes to thicken.
• Make it gluten-free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or omit it altogether.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker oxtails are wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to complete your meal:

• Creamy mashed potatoes: The classic choice that soaks up the rich sauce perfectly.
• Rice or buttery polenta: These provide a mild base that complements the bold flavors.
• Crusty bread: Great for dipping into the luscious sauce.
• Steamed vegetables or sautéed greens: Add some vibrant color and freshness to your plate.
• For a lighter option, try serving with a fresh salad such as the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

For more hearty and comforting slow cooker recipes, you might enjoy exploring our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or the flavorful Best Vegan Chilli Con Carne Recipe for Flavorful Meals.

Conclusion

Slow cooker oxtails offer a perfect balance of convenience and gourmet flavor. This recipe transforms a humble cut into a luxurious dish full of tender, succulent meat and a deeply satisfying sauce.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or impressing guests, the long, slow cooking process creates a dish that’s both hearty and elegant.

Don’t be intimidated by oxtails — with this easy, step-by-step recipe, you can confidently create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Plus, the slow cooker means minimal hands-on time and maximum deliciousness.

Give it a try, and you might find oxtails becoming a regular feature in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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