recipe for cooking oxtail in slow cooker
- The Best recipe for cooking oxtail in slow cooker
- Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew with Crusty Bread
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew with Crusty Bread Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew with Crusty Bread
The Best recipe for cooking oxtail in slow cooker
This recipe is simple enough to prep ahead of time, so you can spend your day doing something else while it cooks. It’s also versatile enough to serve at family gatherings or as a comforting dinner for the whole household. My kids love how the meat stays juicy and flavorful, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the slow cooker makes it stress-free—just toss everything in and let it simmer, and you’ll have a meal that tastes even better the next day. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re doing something special, even if you’re not.
Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew with Crusty Bread
A rich, tender stew made with slow-cooked oxtail, simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 lbs oxtail (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Crusty bread (to serve)
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Place oxtail pieces in a large pot. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. -
2
In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 more minutes. -
3
Return the oxtail to the skillet, add beef broth and water, and stir to combine. Transfer everything to the slow cooker. -
4
Cook on low heat for 6 hours or until the oxtail is fork-tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine while browning the oxtail.
- Let the stew sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew with Crusty Bread Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Oxtail Stew with Crusty Bread
How long should I cook oxtail in the slow cooker?
Cook oxtail in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and the broth has reduced to a rich, saucy consistency. Check halfway through cooking—it should pull apart easily when pierced with a fork.
Can I use any type of oxtail?
Stick to whole or cut oxtail (bone-in or boneless) for best results. Avoid pre-cut or processed versions, as they may lack flavor and texture. Choose a cut with visible fat marbling for extra richness.
What’s the trick to getting tender oxtail?
Start by browning the oxtail in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds depth of flavor. Also, don’t skip the liquid—use enough broth, water, or wine to submerge the meat. Let it simmer gently to break down collagen for maximum tenderness.
Do I need to adjust the cooking time for a smaller batch?
Yes, smaller quantities may need shorter cooking times, especially if using high heat. For under 4 pounds, aim for 3 to 4 hours on high or 5 to 6 hours on low. Overcrowding can dilute flavor, so adjust portions accordingly.
Can I add vegetables or herbs to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Stir in onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, or fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) toward the end of cooking. These add natural sweetness and depth. Avoid overcrowding, though—let the broth reduce slightly before adding veggies.
