Southern Oxtails Recipe

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This Southern Oxtails Recipe is slow-cooked to perfection producing rich, savory, and tender oxtails perfect for a comforting soul food meal.

Prep Time30

Cook Time8

Total Time8 30

Course: Dinner, Main, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Soul Food, Southern Comfort

Servings: Servings

Calories: 676kcal

In a small bowl, combine the Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, White Pepper, and Italian Seasoning and set it aside. This is going to be your Oxtails Seasoning Blend.
In a small bowl, combine the browning and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to comibne. Set aside.
Place the oxtails in a large mixing bowl and pour the Browning and Worcestershire sauce mix over the top.
Using your hands, tongs, or a large spoon, move the oxtails around to ensure they are fully covered.
Remove the oxtails to a plate and season all sides generously with the seasoning mix.
Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear all sides of the oxtails in the skillet.
Once the oxtails are all browned up, place them inside the slow cooker.
Leaving all the remaining oil in the skillet, add ½ cup of flour and immediately whisk.
Once the oil is all mixed into the flour begin slowly pouring in the beef stock and continuously whisking. Continue this process until you have incorporated all the flour a total of 3 cups of beef stock whisking until there are no clumps.
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the garlic.
Once the garlic is fully mixed in, add the bell peppers and onions.
Stir the mixture to ensure all vegetables are covered in the gravy mixture.
Pour one cup of beef stock into the slow cooker.
Pour the gravy, onion, and bell pepper mixture over the oxtails, spreading it all out to ensure even distribution.
Place the lid on the slow cooker, set to high, and cook for 8 hours.

Brown the Oxtails Well: Brown the oxtails thoroughly on all sides before simmering. This step adds depth to the dish's flavor and ensures a rich, savory gravy.
Low and Slow is Key: Oxtails are a tough cut of meat that benefits from long, slow cooking. Be patient and let them simmer until they're fall off the bone tender.
Don't Skimp on Seasoning: Generously Season your oxtails with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. The seasoning will infuse the meat as it cooks, enhancing its overall flavor.
Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor: Adding vegetables like carrots and celery to the pot can enhance the flavor of your gravy and provide a bit of texture contrast.
Make it Ahead: This dish often tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken the Gravy: If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water and stirring it into the pot. Let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve with the Right Sides: Pair your smothered oxtails with creamy rice, southern green beans and potatoes, and some hot water cornbread to soak up all the delicious gravy.