This braised oxtail is cooked low and slow until the meat becomes buttery tender and the sauce becomes rich, silky, and full of deep beef flavor. Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or creamy polenta.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
🛒 Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs oxtails
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (or extra broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🥘 Instructions
1. Season & Sear the Oxtails
Pat oxtails dry, season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Brown the oxtails on all sides (about 8–10 minutes).
Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Cook until softened (4–5 minutes).
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add Tomato Paste & Spices
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves.
Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Deglaze
Pour in red wine and scrape up the brown bits.
Let simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Add Broth & Oxtails
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomatoes (optional).
Return oxtails to the pot, making sure they’re mostly submerged.
6. Braise
Cover with the lid and simmer on low heat for 2.5–3 hours,
OR bake in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 3 hours
until oxtails are tender and falling off the bone.
7. Thicken (Optional)
If sauce is thin, remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
You can also mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water to thicken.
8. Serve
Garnish with parsley.
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
💡 Tips & Variations
- More flavor: Add 1 chopped bell pepper or 1 tbsp brown sugar.
- Jamaican style: Add allspice, Scotch bonnet pepper, and butter beans.
- Make ahead: Tastes EVEN better the next day.
- Slow cooker: 8 hours on LOW or 5–6 hours on HIGH.
🍽️ Best Serving Ideas
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic rice
- Buttered noodles
- Polenta
- Roasted veggies
