Are you looking for a truly special dish that practically cooks itself? This oxtail crockpot recipe is that kind of meal, you know? It brings a warmth to your kitchen, filling the air with incredible smells. This is a recipe that, quite honestly, will become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in. It’s a way to get beautiful, tender oxtail that falls right off the bone.
My super easy slow cooker recipe for the best southern style oxtails is something I really enjoy sharing. It’s a dish that, you know, just feels right, making dinner simple and delicious. The slow cooker makes sure the meat turns out incredibly tender and delicious, with a sauce that you can make spicy or mild, depending on what you like.
This recipe is about getting the best way to cook oxtails, with seasoning on the outside, cooked low and slow for hours. It is a slow cooker oxtail recipe to pull out for any gathering or just when you need a little comfort. The meat gets cooked to perfection with carrots, celery, and potatoes, all in a rich, hearty stew.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Slow Cooker Oxtail?
- What You Will Need for This Oxtail Crockpot Recipe
- Preparing Your Oxtails for the Crockpot
- Cooking Your Oxtail to Perfection
- Serving Suggestions for Your Oxtail Stew
- Leftovers and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions About Oxtail Crockpot Recipes
Why Choose Slow Cooker Oxtail?
Making oxtail in a slow cooker is, honestly, a game changer for many home cooks. It simplifies the whole process. You just set it, and you can forget it for a while, letting the machine do all the hard work. This method helps the meat become incredibly soft, practically melting in your mouth.
A slow cooker oxtail recipe is a comforting meal that revolves around oxtail pieces simmered in a mix of rich broth, vegetables, and spices. It is, in a way, the ultimate hands-off cooking experience for a dish that tastes like you spent hours slaving over it. The long, slow cooking time breaks down the tougher parts of the oxtail, creating a sauce that is both rich and unctuous.
This dish is perfect for special occasions, yes, but it’s also great for everyday meals. The flavor it develops is truly something special. You get that rich, deep taste and a texture that is just so tender. It’s a dish that, you know, everyone seems to enjoy, making it a reliable choice for dinner.
What You Will Need for This Oxtail Crockpot Recipe
Getting ready for some serious flavor is what this is all about. You will want to get your pantry and fridge ready for all the good stuff. Here is everything you will need to make these slow cooker oxtails with onion garlic gravy. It is, you know, a pretty straightforward list of items.
Essential Ingredients
To make this delicious oxtail crockpot recipe, you will need a few key items. Start by getting your oxtails, of course. You want pieces that have some good meat on them. Then, you will need some common vegetables that add a lot of taste to the stew.
- Oxtail pieces, about three to four pounds.
- Flour for coating, just a little.
- Oxtail seasoning mix, your favorite kind.
- Cooking oil, a bit for browning.
- Onions, a couple of them.
- Garlic cloves, a few, crushed or minced.
- Carrots, maybe two or three.
- Celery stalks, a couple.
- Potatoes, a few medium-sized ones.
- Beef broth or stock, enough to cover the meat.
- Tomato paste, just a spoonful or two.
- Worcestershire sauce, a dash for depth.
- Fresh thyme sprigs, a few.
- Bay leaves, a couple.
- Salt and pepper, to your liking.
The seasoning on the outside of the oxtails is really important for building flavor. It is, you know, the first layer of taste. The vegetables, like carrots, celery, and potatoes, cook down into a rich, hearty stew. This combination makes for a very satisfying meal, so.
Kitchen Tools
You do not need a lot of fancy equipment for this oxtail crockpot recipe. The main thing, obviously, is your slow cooker. It does most of the heavy lifting. You will also need a good skillet for a quick step before everything goes into the pot.
- A large slow cooker, six quarts or more.
- A large skillet or Dutch oven for browning.
- Tongs for turning the meat.
- A cutting board.
- A sharp knife.
These tools are, you know, pretty standard kitchen items. The skillet is for browning the oxtail, which adds a lot of flavor and color. It is a step that, in some respects, really makes a difference in the final taste of the stew.
Preparing Your Oxtails for the Crockpot
Getting the oxtails ready is a simple process, but it is important for the best results. This is where you really start to build the foundation of flavor for your dish. It is, you know, about setting things up for success.
Seasoning and Browning
First, you will want to prepare your oxtail pieces. Make sure they are patted dry. This helps the seasoning stick better and also helps with browning. Then, roll the oxtail pieces in the seasoned flour. Make sure they are coated on all sides.
Next, heat a little cooking oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the floured oxtail pieces in the skillet. Fry all sides until they are just browned. This step is very important, as it locks in the flavor and gives the meat a nice color. It is, you know, a crucial part of the process.
Do not crowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches. Once browned, take the oxtail pieces out of the skillet and set them aside. This browning step really adds a depth of flavor that you would miss otherwise, pretty much.
Adding Vegetables and Liquid
Now, it is time to build the base of your stew. In the same skillet, you can add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook them until they are soft and fragrant. This usually takes just a few minutes, so.
After the onions and garlic have softened, stir in the tomato paste. Cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly. This helps to deepen its flavor. Then, pour in a little of the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits are full of flavor, you know.
Transfer the browned oxtails and the onion-garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes around the oxtails. Pour in the rest of the beef broth, making sure the oxtails are mostly covered. Add the Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Cooking Your Oxtail to Perfection
This is where the magic of the slow cooker truly shines. Once everything is in the pot, you just need to set it and let it do its work. The long, slow cooking time is what makes the oxtail beautifully tender, you know, falling off the bone.
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set the cooker to the low setting. Let it cook for about six to eight hours. If you are cooking on high, it might take four to five hours. The exact time depends on your slow cooker and the size of your oxtail pieces. It is, you know, a pretty forgiving process.
You will know the oxtail is ready when the meat is incredibly tender and pulls away from the bone with very little effort. The vegetables should also be soft, and the sauce should be rich and flavorful. This rich and flavorful slow cooker oxtail is delicious. It makes the perfect comfort food meal, really.
This classic oxtail stew made in the slow cooker is one of our absolute favorites. The slow cooker simplifies the whole cooking process, allowing the flavors to blend together wonderfully. It is, you know, a truly satisfying dish.
Serving Suggestions for Your Oxtail Stew
Once your oxtail is cooked to perfection, it is time to enjoy it. This dish is so versatile, and it goes great with many sides. My text mentions that I love to eat it with cornbread and cabbage, which is a classic southern style combination. It is, you know, a very comforting pairing.
Another fantastic way to serve this tender oxtail that falls off the bone is on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes soak up that killer sauce, whether it is spicy or mild, making every bite amazing. It is also delicious on a bed of mashed cauliflower, which is a great option if you are looking for something a little lighter.
You can also serve it with rice, pasta, or even just some crusty bread to sop up all that rich gravy. The meat is cooked to perfection with carrots, celery, and potatoes in a rich, hearty stew, so it is a complete meal on its own, too it's almost. But adding a side just makes it even better. For more ideas on what to pair with hearty stews, you might want to learn more about side dishes for comfort food on our site.
Leftovers and Storage
One of the best things about this oxtail crockpot recipe is how well the leftovers keep. They often taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. It is, you know, a dish that just gets better with age.
To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely. Then, transfer it to airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for several days, typically up to three to four days. It is a good idea to portion it out, so you can easily reheat just what you need.
For longer storage, you can freeze the oxtail stew. Place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This makes for a quick and easy meal later on, you know.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxtail Crockpot Recipes
People often have questions when they are making oxtail for the first time, or even if they have made it before. Here are some common things people ask, you know, about making oxtail in a slow cooker.
Do I need to brown oxtail before slow cooking?
Yes, it is highly recommended to brown the oxtail pieces before putting them in the slow cooker. This step adds a lot of deep flavor and color to the final dish. It creates a rich crust on the meat that you just cannot get from slow cooking alone. It is, you know, a small effort for a big flavor payoff.
How long does oxtail take to cook in a crockpot?
Oxtail needs a good amount of time to become truly tender in a slow cooker. On the low setting, it typically takes about six to eight hours. If you cook it on the high setting, it might be ready in four to five hours. The goal is for the meat to be so soft that it falls right off the bone. It is, you know, a process that cannot be rushed.
What can I serve with slow cooker oxtail?
Slow cooker oxtail is very versatile when it comes to side dishes. Classic choices include cornbread, cabbage, creamy mashed potatoes, or even mashed cauliflower. Rice or a good crusty bread are also excellent for soaking up the rich sauce. You can also pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal, like your. For more pairing ideas, you might find useful information on the best side dishes for stews.
This oxtail crockpot recipe offers a simple way to create a dish that is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. It is a meal that truly satisfies, providing that fall-off-the-bone tenderness and a sauce that is just irresistible. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite comfort food meal.



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