15 Oxtail Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Feed Your Soul

Oxtail is a unique cut of meat known for its rich flavor and tenderness. It is a favorite in many cuisines around the world and can be prepared in various ways. Learning how to cook oxtail can help you create hearty and satisfying meals that your family and friends will love.

Whether you are making a classic stew or trying out a new recipe, oxtail dishes are sure to impress. These recipes often include a mix of flavorful ingredients that enhance the meat’s taste, making it a perfect option for special occasions or cozy dinners at home.

1) Jamaican Oxtail Stew

Jamaican Oxtail Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that you can easily prepare at home. This recipe uses tender oxtails, which are seasoned and slowly cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone delicious.

You begin by searing the oxtails to lock in the flavor. Then, you cook them with butter beans and spices like thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet pepper to give it that signature kick.

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice and peas, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds oxtails
• 1 cup butter beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons browning sauce
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups beef broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Sear oxtails in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
2. Remove oxtails and sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until soft.
3. Return oxtails to the pot, add butter beans, and remaining ingredients.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or until tender.
5. Adjust seasoning before serving with rice and peas.

2) Slow Cooked Oxtail in Red Wine Sauce

Cooking oxtail in red wine creates a rich and delicious dish. The slow cooking process makes the meat tender and flavorful.

Start by browning the oxtail in a pan. This helps build flavor before adding other ingredients.

You can use a slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 8 hours. The meat will become fall-off-the-bone tender.

To thicken the sauce, you may want to sauté the liquid or add a cornstarch slurry. This gives the sauce a nice texture.

It’s best served on creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds oxtail
• 1 bottle red wine (not expensive)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the oxtail in a pan with oil.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan.
3. Pour in the red wine and beef broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer everything to a slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 8 hours, until tender.
7. Optional: Thicken the sauce if desired before serving.

3) Southern Style Slow Cooker Oxtails

Southern style slow cooker oxtails are perfect for a cozy meal. They’re tender and flavorful, making them a favorite in many homes. Cooking them slowly allows the meat to soak up all the delicious flavors.

You start with oxtails, which are often known for their rich taste. Pair them with onions, garlic, and spices for added depth. The slow cooker will do all the work while you relax.

For a complete dish, serve your oxtails over rice or mashed potatoes. The savory gravy created during cooking is perfect for drenching your side dishes.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds oxtails
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: vegetables like carrots or green beans

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the oxtails with salt and pepper.
2. Place them in the slow cooker.
3. Add chopped onions and garlic.
4. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours (175°C to 93°C).
6. Serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes.

4) Spicy Caribbean Oxtail and Beans

If you love bold flavors, spicy Caribbean oxtail and beans is a fantastic dish to try. This recipe combines tender oxtails with fragrant spices and creamy butter beans for a hearty meal.

Start by seasoning your oxtails with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. A dash of Scotch bonnet pepper adds heat, so adjust according to your taste.

Next, brown the oxtails in a large pot. This seals in the flavors and gives a nice color. Then, add onions, garlic, and a mix of herbs.

Pour in some broth, and let everything simmer. This slow cooking lets the meat become tender and juicy. The butter beans will soak up all that delicious flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs oxtail, cut into pieces
• 1 cup butter beans
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp allspice
• 4 cups beef broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Season oxtails with salt, pepper, and spices.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the oxtails in the pot.
4. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
5. Pour in beef broth and add chopped Scotch bonnet pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
7. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat is tender.
8. Add butter beans during the last 30 minutes and stir.

5) Italian Braised Oxtail with Polenta

Italian braised oxtail with polenta is a comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners. The oxtail is slow-cooked until tender, allowing the rich flavors to blend beautifully. Serving it over creamy polenta gives a satisfying touch to the meal.

As the oxtail simmers, it’s infused with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This creates a deeply flavored sauce that pairs wonderfully with the soft polenta. The warmth of the dish makes it ideal for cold weather.

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs oxtail
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups polenta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large, oven-safe pot, brown the oxtail on all sides.
3. Remove the oxtail and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
4. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, salt, and pepper.
5. Return the oxtail to the pot and cover.
6. Braise in the oven for 3-4 hours until tender.
7. Cook polenta according to package instructions.
8. Mix in Parmesan cheese before serving with the oxtail.

6) Oxtail Ragu with Pappardelle

Oxtail ragu with pappardelle is a delightful Italian dish. The rich flavors of oxtail meat blend beautifully with the wide, flat pasta. This meal is comforting and perfect for a cozy dinner.

To start, you will need to brown the oxtails in a pot. Then, add diced vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Cooking them until they soften adds depth to your sauce.

Once your vegetables are ready, deglaze the pot with red wine. Let it simmer with the oxtails for a while. The longer you cook it, the better the flavors meld together.

Don’t forget to serve the ragu over cooked pappardelle. The sauce clings to the pasta perfectly, making each bite delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg oxtail (about 3.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 sticks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 400g pappardelle pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the oxtails on all sides, then remove them from the pot.
3. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
4. Deglaze with red wine and add the oxtails back to the pot.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-4 hours until tender.
6. Cook pappardelle according to package directions, then drain.
7. Serve the ragu over the pappardelle and enjoy.

7) Vietnamese Pho with Oxtail

Vietnamese Pho with oxtail is a flavorful dish enjoyed by many. The rich broth is made by simmering oxtails, which makes the meat tender and full of taste. You can serve it hot for a comforting meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro add brightness to your pho. Lime and chili can be used for extra flavor.

Cooking oxtail pho takes time, but the result is worth it. The broth is packed with aromatic spices, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds oxtails
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 piece ginger, sliced
• 4 quarts (3.8 liters) water
• Pho noodles
• Fresh bean sprouts
• Thai basil
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Chili peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the oxtails with onion and ginger.
2. Add water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 hours.
4. Cook pho noodles according to package instructions.
5. Serve noodles in bowls, topped with oxtail broth and garnishes.

8) Oxtail Empanadas

Oxtail empanadas are a delicious treat you can make at home. These pastries are filled with tender, flavorful oxtail meat. You can serve them as a snack or a main dish.

To start cooking, you’ll need to slow-cook the oxtail until it’s soft and succulent. This helps break down the tough meat, making it tasty and easy to work with. You can pair the empanadas with a bright chimichurri sauce for added flavor.

Enjoy these empanadas with family or friends. They are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) oxtail
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp (5 g) cumin
• 1 package of empanada dough
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chimichurri sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the oxtail, onion, and garlic for 3 hours at 150°C (300°F).
2. Shred the cooked oxtail and mix in cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill empanada dough with the oxtail mixture.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until golden.

9) Korean Braised Oxtail (Kkori Gomtang)

Korean Braised Oxtail, known as Kkori Gomtang, is a comforting dish full of rich flavors. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you want something hearty. You will love how tender the oxtail becomes during cooking.

Start by soaking the oxtail in cold water for a few hours to remove excess blood. Then, boil it briefly to clean it further.

In a large pot, combine the oxtails with water and simmer until tender, which usually takes a few hours.

The result is a delicious, milky broth that pairs perfectly with rice. You can also add green onions for extra freshness before serving.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs oxtail
• Water (about 12-13 cups)
• Salt, to taste
• Green onions, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the oxtail in cold water for 2 hours.
2. Boil oxtail for 10 minutes, then discard the water.
3. Place the cleaned oxtails in a large pot with water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 3-4 hours.
5. Add salt to taste and garnish with green onions before serving.

10) Jerk Oxtail with Coconut Rice

Jerk oxtail with coconut rice is a delicious dish that packs a punch of flavor. The spicy jerk seasoning complements the rich oxtails perfectly. Pairing this with creamy coconut rice creates a delightful meal.

For the rice, use coconut milk along with your rice to enhance the taste. The coconut’s sweetness balances the spiciness of the jerk sauce. This combination makes for a satisfying meal.

To prepare, season your oxtails with jerk spices and cook them until tender. While they cook, you can make the coconut rice in a separate pot. It’s a great way to add variety to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs oxtails
• 3 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups rice
• Onions and thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Season oxtails with jerk seasoning.
2. Cook oxtails in a pot until tender.
3. In another pot, heat coconut milk and water.
4. Add rice, onions, and thyme to the coconut milk.
5. Cook rice until fluffy and serve with oxtails.

11) Oxtail and Lentil Soup

Oxtail and lentil soup is a hearty dish perfect for chilly days. The rich flavors of oxtail combined with the nutritious lentils create a filling meal.

You start by browning the oxtails in a large pot. This helps to seal in the flavor.

Next, add water and spices. Let everything simmer until the oxtail is tender and the lentils are cooked.

This soup can be a comforting option for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs oxtails
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 5 cups water
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 diced carrots
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the oxtails in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and garlic.
3. Pour in the water and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Add lentils during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

12) Classic French Oxtail Soup

Classic French oxtail soup is a warm and comforting dish. It features tender pieces of oxtail in a rich, flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for chilly days, warming you up from the inside out.

To make this soup, you will need oxtail, vegetables, and herbs simmered together. The slow cooking process helps the flavors blend beautifully. You can enjoy it as a starter or a main meal.

Ingredients

• 1 kg oxtail
• 2 chopped carrots
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 chopped celery stalk
• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the oxtail pieces in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, and celery. Sauté until soft.
3. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Add the beef stock and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

13) Spanish Oxtail Stew (Rabo de Toro)

Spanish Oxtail Stew, or Rabo de Toro, is a comforting dish from Spain. It features tender oxtail slow-cooked in rich flavors. This hearty stew includes caramelized vegetables and red wine, creating a warm meal perfect for sharing.

You might enjoy serving it with fried potatoes or crusty bread. The blend of spices adds depth to the dish, making every bite enjoyable. Rabo de Toro is a classic that showcases the best of Spanish cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) oxtail
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 chopped carrots
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the oxtail pieces for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add beef broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours at 150°C to 160°C (300°F to 325°F) until tender.

14) Oxtail Pot Pie

Oxtail pot pie is a hearty and comforting dish. It combines tender, flavorful oxtail with vegetables, all wrapped in a flaky crust. This meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

To make it even better, you can season the oxtail with spices and slow cook it until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. The richness of the gravy pairs perfectly with the buttery crust.

This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy oxtail in a new form.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 pounds oxtail, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 4½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Vegetables (like carrots and peas)
• Pie crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season oxtail with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Brown the oxtail for about 5 minutes.
5. Remove oxtail and reserve the oil.
6. Cook vegetables until softened.
7. Add oxtail back to the pot with vinegar, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
8. Pour mixture into a pie crust.
9. Cover with another crust; seal edges.
10. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

15) Oxtail Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Oxtail tacos are a delicious way to enjoy this rich cut of meat. They are slow-cooked until tender and served on warm tortillas. The addition of pineapple salsa adds a fresh and tangy flavor.

To prepare these tacos, you’ll first want to braise the oxtail. This helps break down the meat and makes it fall-apart tender. After cooking, shred the meat and fill each tortilla.

Top your tacos with pineapple salsa. This typically includes diced pineapple, diced onions, and jalapeños. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch as well.

Ingredients

• Oxtail
• Corn tortillas
• Pineapple
• Red onion
• Jalapeño
• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Braise oxtail in a pot at 300°F (150°C) for several hours until tender.
2. Shred the cooked oxtail.
3. Mix pineapple, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for the salsa.
4. Fill tortillas with oxtail and top with pineapple salsa.