How To Cook Oxtails In A Crock Pot

ByLily

A crock pot lets oxtails simmer unattended all day, so dinner is ready the moment you walk in. If you want to know how to cook oxtails in a crock pot, this guide walks you through every step. You will get tender meat that falls off the bone with very little hands-on work.

Oxtails are tough cuts. They need long, slow, moist heat to become soft and rich. That is exactly what a slow cooker does best. You just load it up in the morning and let it work.

Why Oxtails And A Crock Pot Are A Perfect Match

Oxtails come from the tail of the cow. They are full of collagen, bone, and connective tissue. When cooked fast, they stay chewy. When cooked slow, that collagen melts into gelatin.

The result is meat that is silky and a broth that is thick and savory. A crock pot holds steady low heat for hours. This breaks down the tough fibers without drying out the meat.

You also get a bonus: the sauce. Oxtail liquid turns into a natural gravy that is great over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here is a simple list. You can adjust amounts to your taste.

  • 3 to 4 pounds of oxtails
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 1 cup of red wine (optional but good)
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of oil for browning

If you do not have wine, use more broth. The dish will still taste great.

How To Cook Oxtails In A Crock Pot

Follow these steps in order. The whole process is easy, but the browning step matters a lot.

Step 1: Prep The Oxtails

Pat the oxtails dry with paper towels. Wet meat does not brown well. Season them well with salt and pepper on all sides.

Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oxtails in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan.

Brown each side for 3 to 4 minutes. You want a deep brown crust. Work in batches if needed. Then move the oxtails to the crock pot.

This step adds flavor. You can skip it if you are short on time, but the final dish will taste less rich.

Step 3: Cook The Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften.

Add the garlic and tomato paste. Stir for one minute. The paste will darken a bit. This builds a deeper flavor.

Pour in the wine if you are using it. Scrape up any brown bits from the pan. Let it bubble for two minutes.

Step 4: Load The Crock Pot

Put the vegetables on top of the oxtails in the crock pot. Add the broth, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.

The liquid should come about halfway up the meat. Do not cover the oxtails completely. You want them to braise, not boil.

Step 5: Set The Heat And Time

Cover the crock pot. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Or cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.

Low and slow gives the best texture. The meat should be very tender and almost falling apart.

Check the oxtails at the 7-hour mark on low. If they are still firm, keep cooking. Every crock pot runs a little different.

Step 6: Skim The Fat

When the oxtails are done, turn off the heat. Let them sit for 10 minutes. Fat will rise to the top.

Use a spoon to skim off the extra fat. Or chill the broth and lift off the solid fat later. This makes the sauce less greasy.

Step 7: Thicken The Sauce (Optional)

If you want a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the hot liquid.

Turn the crock pot to high and cook for 10 more minutes. The sauce will thicken. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Tips For The Best Results

  • Buy meaty oxtails. Ask your butcher for the thick cut pieces.
  • Do not add too much liquid. Oxtails release their own juices.
  • Brown the meat for better flavor. This is the one step you should not rush.
  • Cook longer if needed. Tough meat just needs more time.
  • Cool and reheat the next day. The flavor gets even better.

What To Serve With Oxtails

Oxtails go well with many sides. Pick one or two that you like.

  • White rice or yellow rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Egg noodles
  • Crusty bread for dipping
  • Steamed greens or cabbage
  • Buttered cornbread

The sauce is the best part. So serve something that soaks it up.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many people run into the same problems. Here is how to avoid them.

  1. Not browning the meat. You lose a lot of flavor this way.
  2. Using too much liquid. The oxtails will steam instead of braise.
  3. Cooking on high the whole time. Low heat gives better texture.
  4. Not skimming the fat. The sauce can turn greasy.
  5. Rushing the cook time. Tough meat needs the full hours.

Storing And Reheating Leftovers

Store oxtails in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep them in the sauce so they stay moist. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheat on the stove over low heat. Or use the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to cook oxtails in a crock pot is mostly about patience. Brown the meat, add your liquid, and let time do the work. The result is rich, tender beef with a deep savory sauce.

Try this recipe on a weekend or a busy weekday. Either way, you will come home to a meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

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