slow cooked oxtail stew recipe

slow cooked oxtail stew recipe

The Best slow cooked oxtail stew recipe

I’m so excited to share my slow cooked oxtail stew recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. The oxtail is slow cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth that’s packed with vegetables and herbs.

It’s the perfect recipe for a chilly fall or winter evening, or even just a cozy night in. My family loves it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be left to simmer away while you attend to other tasks. I like to think of it as a little slice of heaven in a pot. As an added bonus, this recipe is also super healthy – the slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissue in the oxtail, making it tender and easy to chew.

Plus, the broth is loaded with vitamins and minerals from all the veggies. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, too – they get to learn about all the different herbs and spices we use. I first discovered this recipe at a potluck dinner with some friends who were from South Africa.

They were kind enough to share their secrets with me, and I’ve been making it ever since. The original recipe was even more involved than this one – they used all sorts of complicated techniques and ingredients that I just couldn’t keep up with. But over time, I’ve simplified the recipe and made it my own.

Now, I can whip up a big ol’ batch of oxtail stew in no time at all – it’s become a staple in our household for sure.

Slow Cooked Oxtail Stew

Slow Cooked Oxtail Stew

4.6 from 508 votes

This rich and deeply flavorful oxtail stew is slow cooked until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Simmered with aromatic vegetables and red wine, it makes a hearty and comforting meal perfect for cooler days.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time3 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

3 pounds oxtail, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
4 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the oxtail pieces dry with paper towels.
2Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the oxtail in batches, turning occasionally, until deeply browned on all sides, about 8 minutes per batch.
4Transfer the browned oxtail to a plate and set aside.
5Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
7Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
8Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
9Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
10Return the oxtail to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
11Add the beef broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
12Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
13Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meat is very tender and pulls away from the bone, about 3 hours.
14If desired, for a thicker stew, remove about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk it with the flour in a small bowl until smooth.
15Stir the slurry back into the pot and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the stew has thickened slightly.
16Remove the bay leaves before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 48g

📝Notes

For even more flavor, you can marinate the oxtail in the red wine and herbs overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooked Oxtail Stew Works

I always make extra slow cooked oxtail stew because it stores and reheats beautifully. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days in a sealed container, and the flavors just get deeper and richer. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much.

It also freezes well for up to three months, so you can pull it out for a quick dinner on a busy night. When I serve this stew for family gatherings, I like to pair it with white rice, mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta. The rich gravy coats everything perfectly, and the tender meat is always a hit.

You can also use the leftovers to make oxtail tacos or serve it over pasta for a different twist. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is a winner for any occasion. It is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor that everyone will love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooked Oxtail Stew

Q: What kind of oxtail should I use?

The best type of oxtail for this recipe is one that’s nice and meaty – look for ones that are around 2-3 pounds each. You can also use beef shanks or short ribs if you can’t find oxtails.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?

No way! This recipe is specifically designed for beef oxtails, which have a rich, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the broth.

Q: Do I need to brown the oxtails before slow cooking them?

Nope! While browning can add some extra flavor to the dish, it’s not necessary – just toss those oxtails into the pot and let them cook away.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

You bet! In fact, using a slow cooker can be a great way to make this dish – just throw everything into the crock pot in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.

Q: How long does it take to make this stew?

The beauty of slow cooking is that you can let this stew simmer away for hours on end without having to constantly monitor it – just toss everything into a big pot or crock pot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Similar Posts