Smothered Oxtails Recipe

Introduction

Smothered Oxtails is the type of soul food that delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and deep, savory flavor with every bite. The rich, silky gravy combined with slow-cooked oxtails is irresistible to anyone who loves comfort food—and when served over rice or mashed potatoes, this dish becomes the centerpiece of a memorable meal.

Perfect for gatherings or when you crave a deeply satisfying dinner, this recipe transforms an economical cut into a luxurious feast that never fails to impress.

Why Smothered Oxtails Stand Out

Few dishes are as comforting as oxtails, simmered low and slow until they fall off the bone. The magic lies in the robust flavor of the meat, amplified by a medley of onions, garlic, and peppers cooked into a rich, brown gravy. The result is a dish that boasts robust flavor, luscious texture, and an aroma that can bring family to the table in minutes.

Essential Preparation for Perfect Oxtails

For the best results, make sure you chop your vegetables evenly for consistent flavor and seamless gravy. A time-saving gadget like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper lets you swiftly dice onions, peppers, and celery, making prep effortless.

Use a heavy-duty skillet such as the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet for searing oxtails; this important step locks in flavor and develops a savory fond for your gravy. When it comes to simmering, a Dutch oven or deep pan works best for even cooking.

Building Layers of Flavor: Browning & Braising

Sear the seasoned oxtails until deeply browned on all sides—this caramelization is what gives the gravy its depth and complexity. Prepare your wine or beef broth and scrape up any browned bits—these are integral to a full-bodied sauce. Use a strong, heat-resistant utensil like the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to stir and break up stubborn bits while maintaining your cookware.

After simmering alongside aromatics, cover the oxtails and let them braise until fork-tender. This slow process guarantees the meat becomes succulent, rich, and nearly impossible to resist.

Serving Suggestions That Take It Over the Top

Serve your smothered oxtails over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, ideally presented with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Keep leftovers fresh in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—they make reheating and cleanup much easier.

Complete the meal by pairing this soulful entrée with collard greens or cornbread, offering balance and soaking up every last drop of luscious gravy.

Nutritional Information and Portion Details

This recipe typically serves 4 to 6 hearty portions. Each serving contains an estimated 450-600 calories (depending on the amount of oxtails and gravy served), making it a satisfying main dish best enjoyed as part of a well-rounded meal.

Smothered Oxtails: Comfort in Every Bite (Recap)

Few recipes deliver the depth of flavor or heartwarming comfort like smothered oxtails. The tender, juicy meat and flavorful gravy are truly a crowd-pleaser, sure to turn any dinner into a special occasion.

Instructions

1. Season the oxtails thoroughly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Lightly dredge in flour for extra richness.
2. Heat oil in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high heat. Sear oxtails in batches, turning to brown all sides. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Consider using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for fast, uniform cuts. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and add bay leaves. Scrape up browned bits with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to blend the flavors.
5. Return oxtails and accumulated juices to the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2½–3 hours, or until oxtails are fork-tender and gravy is rich and thickened.
6. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley. For leftovers, store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes