Description

A rich, tender slow cooker oxtail recipe that requires minimal prep time. The meat becomes fork-tender and falls off the bone, creating a luxurious, restaurant-quality gravy perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

2 to 3 pounds oxtails
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1/2 cup dry red wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 dried bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Instructions

Pat the oxtails dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear oxtails in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté diced onions until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for one more minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Transfer the onion mixture and wine into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
Place the seared oxtails into the liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Add bay leaves and thyme.
Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. If the sauce is too thin, simmer on the stove for a few minutes to reduce. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not skip the searing step as it adds depth of flavor via the Maillard reaction. Ensure oxtails are completely dry before searing to prevent steaming. Salt at the end of cooking to avoid toughening the meat. If using frozen oxtails, thaw completely before searing. The dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 600
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 3
Protein: 35

Keywords: slow cooker oxtails, oxtail recipe, beef stew, comfort food, meal prep, tender meat, rich gravy, easy dinner