Simple, Tender Beef Oxtail Stew Recipe

How to Cook Beef Oxtail Stew

Here are a few different methods to prepare beef oxtail stew. 

In a Dutch Oven 

Braised oxtail cooked in the Dutch oven is a juicy, traditional recipe from our forefathers. Here’s how to do it. 

1. Season the oxtail pieces generously with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a bowl and dredge the pieces to coat them. 
2. Heat 2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil in the Dutch oven. Add in the oxtail pieces. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until they’re brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. 
3. Chop the onions, carrots, and leeks. Add to the pot and cook until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and stir gently for 2 minutes. 
4. Pour in the canned tomatoes and red wine, and let simmer for 2 minutes. 
5. Stir in the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and chopped potatoes.
6. Return the seared oxtails to the pot, submerging them in the sauce.
7. Turn the heat low, cover the stew, and let it simmer for about 3 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone.
8. Serve with slices of fresh crusty bread.

In a Pressure Cooker 

If you’re short on time but want maximum flavor, this instant pot oxtail recipe is the way to go. 

1. Season the oxtail pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Add a tbsp of extra virgin olive oil to the pressure cooker and add in the oxtail pieces. Sear for 4 minutes, or until brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until soft and fragrant. 
4. Pour beef stock into the pressure cooker to deglaze the bottom. 
5. Add the canned tomatoes, red wine, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. 
6. Next, place the seared oxtail pieces in the slow cooker, followed by the chopped leeks, carrots, and potatoes. 
7. Close the lid and cook on high for 40 minutes, followed by the ‘natural release’ setting for 20 minutes. Then, serve! 

In a Slow Cooker 

This easy recipe tastes like it could’ve come out of a professional kitchen! It’s perfect if you want a quick and easy, but tasty dinner. 

1. Season the oxtail pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour to coat them. 
2. Heat 2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet. Fry the oxtail pieces until brown on all sides, about 3 minutes, then set aside. 
3. Throw all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and stir the mixture. 
4. Cook on low for 7 hours or until the meat falls off the bone. 

Side Dishes to Pair with Beef Oxtail

Beef oxtail is a versatile meat that pairs well with many delicious sides. Here are some of our favorites. 

• Buttery mashed potatoes
• Baked garlic sourdough bread 
• Wholegrain rice and sauteed greens tossed in extra virgin olive oil 
• Herby tomato tabbouleh 
• Creamy coleslaw and roasted root vegetables 

Expert Tips & Tricks

• You can turn this stew into a hearty soup by adding boiling water to the mixture in the last half hour of cooking. Then, simmer until the liquid reaches your desired consistency.
• For a slightly sweeter, richer dish, add a heaping tbsp of maple syrup to the mixture when you add in the vegetables. 
• If you want an alcohol-free dish, swap out the red wine for half a cup of pomegranate juice mixed with a tbsp of vinegar.
• You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also freeze this dish for three months.
• Always get the best ingredients. Grass-fed beef bones are not only more sustainable but also increase the nutrition and flavor of your stew!

Recipe FAQs

How long do you boil oxtails?

Oxtails need roughly 3 hours of gentle simmering in the Dutch oven. If you’re short on time, cook them in the pressure cooker for 1 hour.

What to eat with oxtails?

Beef oxtails pair well with a host of sides. Crusty French bread, jasmine rice, or mashed potatoes are some favorites. 

How to make gravy for oxtails?

When you cook beef oxtail in a Dutch oven or slow cooker, the juices from the meat, vegetables, and stock will naturally mix together, creating a rich, meaty gravy.

How long does it take for oxtails to get tender?

In the Dutch oven, it takes oxtails about 3-4 hours to tenderize.

Should I brown oxtails before cooking?

Yes. Browning your oxtails before slow cooking is a must for a crispy, caramelized texture. 

Try Our Beef Oxtail Recipe Today!

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As always, we’d love to know what you think! So, let us know if you tried our recipes and how it turned out! Want to cook something else? Here's a super simple beef live and onion recipe.