If you’re looking for a soul-warming, melt-in-your-mouth dish, Smothered Oxtails is the ultimate comfort food. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy, this Southern classic is packed with deep, bold flavors that will have you licking your plate clean!
Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy grits, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the secrets of making the most tender, flavorful smothered oxtails at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Fall-off-the-bone tender – Slow-cooked until perfectly juicy.
✔ Rich & Savory Gravy – A deep, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with rice.
✔ Soul Food Favorite – A comforting, home-cooked classic.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – Impressive yet simple to make.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Oxtails:
- 3-4 lbs oxtails
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons browning sauce (optional for deeper color)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For Serving:
- Rice, mashed potatoes, or grits
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Smothered Oxtails
Step 1: Season & Brown the Oxtails
- Pat the oxtails dry and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne.
- Dredge the oxtails lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the oxtails on all sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and browning sauce. Stir well.
- Add bay leaves and thyme, then return the oxtails to the pot.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- The oxtails should be fall-off-the-bone tender and the gravy should be thick and rich.
- If the gravy needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
- Serve the smothered oxtails over rice, mashed potatoes, or grits.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish!
Tips for the Best Smothered Oxtails
🔥 Sear the meat well – This adds deep flavor to the dish.
🥩 Cook low and slow – Oxtails need time to become tender.
🧄 Use fresh aromatics – Onion, garlic, and peppers bring the gravy to life.
🍷 For extra richness, add a splash of red wine or a beef bouillon cube.
Final Thoughts
Smothered Oxtails is a dish that’s deep, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, making every bite a rich and comforting experience. Whether for Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Will you be making this for dinner soon? Let us know in the comments! 😊🍽
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