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Oxtails Recipe: A Comforting Delight for Busy Weeknights

There’s something supremely comforting about a rich, flavorful Oxtails recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and delight. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable gathering, even if it’s just you and your favorite book. I often find myself reaching for oxtails on those chilly evenings when my cozy blanket and favorite series beckon. Let’s be honest; who doesn’t dream of tucking into a plate of tender, melt-in-your-mouth oxtails after a long day?

Oxtails may seem intimidating, but trust me, they’re deliciously forgiving and very approachable. If you’re a busy mom, a professional, or simply someone who appreciates good food without the hassle, this recipe is for you! So, roll up those sleeves and let’s tackle one of my favorites together.

Why You’ll Love This Oxtails Recipe

This Oxtails recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together for pure magic. Picture tender pieces of beef, slowly braised in aromatic vegetables and savory spices, transforming an inexpensive cut into a culinary masterpiece. The whole family will love it, and you’ll feel like a hero for bringing such joy to the dinner table!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 2-3 lbs of oxtails
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional but highly recommended)
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps to Create Oxtail Perfection

1. Sear the Oxtails:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the oxtails generously with salt and pepper, and then add them to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re wonderfully browned. Searing helps lock in all those savory flavors!

2. Sauté Your Aromatics:

Once your oxtails are beautifully browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes. Let me tell you, nothing makes a house smell better than cooking onions and garlic!

3. Deglaze with Wine:

If you’re feeling a bit fancy, now’s the time to add red wine! Pour it into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where the magic happens (no joke!).

4. Add the Rest:

Stir in the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the oxtails to the skillet.

5. Simmer Low and Slow:

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow your oxtails to braise for about 3-4 hours. Yes, it seems like a long time, but trust me, it’s worth every minute! Just think of it as an excuse to kick back with a cup of tea and Netflix.

6. Serve:

Once the oxtails are tender and the sauce is thick and luscious, taste and adjust for seasoning. You can serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside crusty bread to soak up all that tasty goodness!

Cooking Tips

• Make it Ahead: This recipe tastes even better the next day. So, consider making it the night before and let the flavors mingle while you sleep. Sounds like a dream, right?

• Picky Eaters? You can sneak in some finely chopped veggies if you want to add a pop of color. They won’t even notice!

• Lumpy Sauce? Don’t worry! If your sauce looks a little lumpy, it’s all part of the magic. Those lumps are just bits of flavor waiting to be savored!

FAQs

Can I substitute red wine in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’d rather not use wine, simply increase the beef broth. Your oxtails will still be delightful!

How can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently to preserve that tender goodness.

Embrace the comforting flavors of this Oxtails recipe and make it your new go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s all about creating a memory around the dinner table, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a quiet evening at home.

So, gather your loved ones, pour yourself a glass of your favorite drink, and dig into these luscious oxtails. I promise you’ll be smiling from ear to ear, and isn’t that what cooking is all about? Happy cooking!

Meta Description: Oxtails Recipe is the perfect dish for cozy nights! Quick, easy, and delicious, this meal will become your go-to favorite. Try it today!

Oxtails

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender oxtails slowly braised in aromatic vegetables and savory spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 700

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs oxtails Choose a nice cut for best flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for better flavor.
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine Optional but highly recommended.
• 2 pieces carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For searing the oxtails.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the oxtails generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
2. Remove the oxtails from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour the red wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Stir in the beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer, then return the oxtails to the skillet.
5. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow the oxtails to braise for about 3-4 hours until tender.
6. Once the oxtails are tender and the sauce is thickened, taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.

Notes

Make it ahead: This recipe tastes better the next day. Picky eaters can have finely chopped veggies added without noticing. If the sauce looks lumpy, it's normal and packed with flavor.