Smothered Oxtails

Here’s a flavorful and comforting recipe for Smothered Oxtails, perfect for a rich, hearty meal. The oxtails are slowly braised until tender, with a savory gravy that’s perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.

Smothered Oxtails Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Oxtails:
  • 3-4 lbs oxtails, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 3-4 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1-2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Gravy:
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp butter or oil
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season and Brown the Oxtails:
   • Pat the oxtails dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
   • Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtails on all sides until they have a nice sear, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the oxtails and set them aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Add Broth and Simmer:
   • Return the oxtails to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and more salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the oxtails are mostly submerged in the liquid.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the oxtails are tender and falling off the bone.
4. Make the Gravy:
   • Once the oxtails are tender, remove them from the pot and set aside. Strain the liquid to remove the vegetables and return the broth to the pot.
   • In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then slowly add the reserved broth while whisking constantly until the gravy thickens.
   • Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Smother the Oxtails:
   • Add the oxtails back to the pot with the gravy, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
   • Let them simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the smothered oxtails over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Smothered Oxtails!