These Southern-style slow cooker smothered oxtails are cooked in a flavorful homemade onion and garlic gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender!
There’s something about Southern smothered oxtails and gravy that just comforts my soul. If I’m not feeling well or had a bad day, just the simple thought of oxtails and rice makes me feel better. My mom used to make oxtails all the time, especially for Sunday supper. She’d serve the oxtails with her infamous southern-style potato salad, mixed greens, and corn muffins. We’d tear up dinner like there was no tomorrow! The only thing left on our plates would be the bones and not a bit of meat! Smothered oxtails were, and still are one of my soul food dishes.
Over the years, I’ve made smothered oxtails in plenty of ways—smoked oxtails, traditional Jamaican oxtails, and even BBQ oxtails. But I finally found a recipe that I’m going to stick with. No more revising, no more adding ingredients or steps. I finally have a go-to recipe for Southern smothered oxtails.
What Are Oxtails?
Despite the name, oxtails don’t come from oxen—at least, not anymore! Oxtails are simply the tail of beef or veil, skinned and cut into pieces. The tail is a rich cut of meat. It’s fatty and flavorful and to die for delicious when slow-cooked. Today, you’re likely to find oxtail on the menu of fancy restaurants. Yes, they’re pricy, but so worth it! Because oxtails are a bit on the expensive side, it’s best to save them for special occasions or when you’re REALLY craving a good ol’ Southern-style meal.
What Does Oxtail Taste Like?
Oxtail tastes like beef, but the meat is super tender because of the amount of bone, cartilage, and fat in the tail. Oxtail has a deeply rich beef flavor that infuses into the broth or sauce it’s cooked in. Taste and texture-wise, oxtails are similar to super fatty beef short ribs. Eating oxtail tastes like a luxury experience—one well worth having at least once in your lifetime!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails
This slow cooker oxtail recipe is super simple. Unlike a lot of other soul food-style oxtails, I don’t use a ton of ingredients. I keep my seasonings simple—garlic, salt, and onions for the oxtails and gravy. And to make it even easier, I use my slow cooker. Not only is this the best way to cook oxtails, but it prevents me from standing in the kitchen all day.
Here’s what you need for my simple slow cooker smothered oxtail recipe.
- Beef Oxtails: this recipe calls for two and a half pounds of beef oxtails.
- Flour: to coat the oxtails for browning and to thicken the gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: adds depth and flavor to the oxtails.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: simple seasonings for the oxtails. I also add parsley flakes because I love parsley, but that is totally optional.
- Vegetable Oil: to brown the oxtails before slow cooking, sealing in all those yummy juices and flavors. You could also use olive oil or neutral cooking oil of your choice.
- Beef Broth or Water: the liquid base of the gravy. The beef broth will add more flavor to your gravy, but water will work perfectly fine if you don’t have it on hand.
- Onion & Garlic: add flavor to the gravy.
Where to Buy Oxtails?
You should be able to find oxtail in the meat department at your local grocery store. However, if you don’t see it there, a specialty butcher shop should have oxtails available. This recipe calls for two and a half pounds of beef oxtail, but you can easily double it if you want more meat. (Keep in mind that oxtails typically have less meat than the average cut of beef.)
The Best Seasoning for Smothered Oxtails
If you want the best seasoning for this slow cooker oxtails recipe, you have to try my very own Rosamae Seasonings oxtail seasoning! My oxtail seasoning is handcrafted to bring out the natural umami flavors of beef. It’s made with simple ingredients and is perfect for slow-cooked recipes like this one. But it’s not just an oxtail seasoning. The perfectly balanced flavors of salt, pepper, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and more bring out the best in any beef dish. You have to give it a try!
How to Make Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails
Okay, Cousins, are you ready to see how I make my slow cooker oxtail recipe? Here’s a quick overview of the steps! For complete instructions and exact ingredient measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can also watch my step-by-step YouTube video to see the recipe in action!
Here’s how to make smothered Southern oxtails in the slow cooker:
- Prep the oxtails. First, wash them with cold water. Then it’s up to you whether you want to trim the excess fat.
- Season the oxtails with salt, pepper, parsley flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Then coat the oxtails with all-purpose flour.
- Brown the oxtails in a pan with oil over medium heat. Make sure to rotate to brown each side of the oxtails. Then remove the browned oxtails from the pan and put them into the slow cooker.
- Start the oxtail gravy by adding the remaining flour gradually to the oil. Whisk continually until the flour is brown and chunky, then add the water or beef broth slowly, stirring constantly.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic cloves once the gravy is at a full boil. At this point, the gravy should have started to thicken. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, or other seasonings of your choice (like my oxtail seasoning) and do a taste test.
- Pour the onion and garlic gravy into the slow cooker over the browned oxtails. Make sure the oxtails are completely coated with that thick gravy!
- Cover the slow cooker and let those smothered oxtails cook on high for 8 hours.
When these babies are done, they are so tender, y’all. They will fall off the bone without you even trying! All that fat and gelatin in the oxtails melts away into the gravy, creating the most rich, flavorful gravy. Serve your slow-cooked oxtails over rice, mashed potatoes, or grits, and you’ve got yourself a truly luxurious soul food meal.
Smothered Oxtail Recipe Tips & FAQs
What tenderizes oxtail? How do I get fall-off-the-bone tender, smothered oxtails?
Slow cooking is the way to get the most tender oxtail meat. Braising oxtail in broth or gravy for several hours allows all the fat to melt away, bringing out the cartilage and bone marrow flavor from the oxtail bones. If your oxtails aren’t tender after 5-6 hours, your slow cooker might not be hot enough. This is why it’s so important to slow-cook oxtails on high instead of low. So don’t be afraid of setting that Crockpot on high and letting those babies cook—don’t try to rush it!
Do you have to brown oxtail before cooking?
No, you don’t have to sear oxtail before cooking, but in this recipe, I highly recommend it. Why? Browning or searing the meat before slow cooking locks in all the flavors and juices in the meat. Plus, we season the oxtails with our seasonings and Worcestershire sauce before browning, which seals even more flavor into the meat. It’s not a necessary step, but one that’s well worth doing.
How to Store Leftover Smothered Oxtails
Leftover smothered oxtails are even better the next day. All those flavors jive together in the fridge and become even more intense! I highly recommend making extras to have leftovers, but this recipe is so dang good it might be hard to keep everyone from eating it all up! Here’s how to keep leftover oxtails:
- In the fridge: allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I’d recommend storing the leftovers separately from any rice or other sides you serve them with.
- In the freezer: once completely cooled, store in freezer bags or a freezer-safe container. Frozen smothered oxtails will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months and should be completely or partially thawed before being reheated.
- To reheat leftovers: slow-cooked oxtails are best when reheated on the stovetop or in the oven. Use a Dutch oven (in the oven) or a large saucepan (on the stovetop) to heat up the oxtails and gravy until bubbling and hot throughout. Add more beef broth to loosen up the gravy.
Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtail Recipe Variations
There are plenty of ways to adjust this recipe based on your tastes. While I think this recipe is the best way to make oxtails, you do you, boo boo! Any Southern family will tell you their grandma has her own recipe for soul food-style oxtails. Here are some popular recipe variations for slow cooker smothered oxtails:
- Add more herbs to the gravy for added flavor. You can use dried or fresh thyme, rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves to infuse flavor into the gravy.
- Instead of Worcestershire sauce, use soy sauce or red wine to flavor the oxtail and gravy. Both soy sauce and red wine bring out beef’s savory, umami flavors.
- Add veggies to the slow cooker, like potatoes and carrots, for a hearty oxtail stew-like dish. The vegetables will slow cook in the gravy and be absolutely delicious when done, making the Southern smothered oxtails a complete meal.
- Add some heat! Most oxtail recipes are delicious with a kick of heat. Serve with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, or spice up the gravy with red pepper flakes, some cayenne pepper, or add hot peppers into the slow cooker with the oxtails.
What to Serve with Southern Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails
Smothered oxtails are perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or grits for true Southern flavor. You also serve oxtails with collard greens, cornbread, or potato salad. Make homemade biscuits or dinner rolls to scoop up that onion and garlic gravy!
More Soul Food-Style Slow Cooker Recipes
If you loved this Southern smothered oxtail recipe, try some of my other slow cooker recipes!
- Slow Cooker Smothered Roast
- Slow Cooker Neck Bones & Potatoes
- Easy Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe
- Southern Pinto Beans and Ham Hocks
- Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share & save on Pinterest! Be sure to follow along with everything Rosie and I Heart Recipes on social media—you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and you can pre-order my next upcoming cookbook, A Cousin Rosie Holiday, now!
Southern Smothered Oxtails
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds beef oxtails
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to brown the oxtails
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for the gravy
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked or ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups beef broth OR water
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic minced
- * more salt & pepper for taste
Instructions
Brown the Oxtails
- Season the oxtails with 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly cracked or ground black pepper, 2 1/2 pounds beef oxtails
- Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce all over the oxtails, then toss the oxtails to make sure that they are coated.2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- Next, sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour all over the oxtails and make sure that the oxtails are coated with the flour.1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Next, pour the vegetable oil into a large pan and place the pan over medium heat.3/4 cup vegetable oil
- Once the oil is nice and hot, add the oxtails to the pan and brown them on every side.
- Once the oxtails are nice and brown, remove them from the pan and put them in the slow cooker.
- Return back to the pan with the hot oil. If they are burnt pieces in the pan, pour out the oil, strain, clean the pan, then pour the strained oil back into the pan.
Make the Onion Garlic Gravy
- Start adding the remaining flour into the pan, but only a little bit at a time. Whisk continuously.1 cup all-purpose flour
- Once the flour is brown and chunky in texture, slowly pour in the beef broth or water. Whisk while you pour! Make sure everything is lump free, then turn the heat from medium to high.3 cups beef broth OR water
- Once the gravy reaches a full boil, reduce the heat to medium, and add in the sliced onions and garlic.1 large yellow onion, 3 cloves of fresh garlic
- Stir the gravy and do a taste test. Add as much salt & pepper as you need to taste.* more salt & pepper for taste
Slow Cook the Oxtails
- Turn the heat off and pour the gravy into the slow cooker covering the oxtails.
- Make sure that the oxtails are nicely covered with gravy, then set the slow cooker on high. Let cook for 8 hours.
- Once done, serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or whatever you'd like.
- Enjoy!
This recipe looks so good and easy to make. I’m not sure my family would go for the oxtails….I would. Pinned. Will make this later on and see how the family takes to them. Thanks for a good crockpot dish.
Thanks for pinning Mary! I always appreciate you coming by!
Nice i like the way you make oxtails it’s similar to the way i do it!
Girl it’s a dang shame, I’m 60, long time ago ox tail was a dime a dozen, now it’s became like a secret hidden foodie that just BOOM! So expensive now, why?
Just made oxtails step by step. WOW! I finished everything except my lunch for tomorrow. Cannot stay awake. Love your recipe. Will be looking for more. If I had a Lady we’ll fall asleep together. Thank you very much.
This was my first time cooking oxtails like this with gravy. It smells so delicious.
Thanks
Excellent recipe! Made it today.
how much flower for the gravy? there are no specifics about that or how much oil.
The recipe includes the ingredients, and instructions. Please watch the video as well if you need more details. Thanks.
The oxtails turned out delicious!. I used water and beef broth for the gravy and added about a tablespoon of beef base.
Yes this is how I make my Ox Tails. I have Wild Rice and a Green Veggie. Mmmm! Delicious
Yo peoples this recipe was real cool! …. used french onion soup instead of the beef broth tokick up the grave
Great idea!
Looks so Beautiful As well as Delicious…!!
Hey I’m making them now and it looks oily wat did I do wrong
Did you trim some of the fat off of the oxtails prior to cooking? Also, you can skim the fat from the pot.
Just went to the butcher to buy some oxtails and going to try this recipe for today’s Sunday dinner.
Tried it and they were delicious only thing is they were done way before 8 hours and I cooked 5 lbs
Wow, that looks so good Rosie. Looks like a recipe i will try this weekend. We love oxtails and this appears to be really easy. Thanks Rosie!
Thanks Stephanie! I hope that you give my recipe a try! XOXO
I am trying this recipe on Sunday and you know what that day means…..its soul food Sunday. Hope it turns out great!!!
Hey Curtis! Let me know how it comes out for ya!
Hey Rosie I’m going to try it on the weekend thank for the recipes
This is another winner from your kitchen, Rosie! I followed your instructions step-by-step and the oxtails are currently cooking in my crock pot. My house smells amazing too. Your site is my go-to whenever I want to learn how to cook great tasting meals that remind me of home. I struggled in the kitchen before learning about your site. Now, I feel like a pro. Happy Easter!
My father has been asking for oxtails and I want to give this recipe a try. Most slow cookers say to cook for 8 hours on low, is it o.k. too cook the oxtails on high for 8 hours (as you can see, I am new to cooking :).
Hello. I cooked the oxtails on high for 8 hours.
Came on searching for a good recipe for my oxtails and found it. also saw a very very beautiful woman!!! Tell your husband that he is blessed man! Wow!!!
Awee. Thanks so much Paul! Glad that you found my recipe!
Can I cook it on low for 12 hours?
Sure 🙂
I’ve used your recipe and it came out great..my husband and daughter loved them..thanks rosie
I made these for Sunday dinner. Definitely a favorite and oh so delicious and tender! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Cassie! I’m so glad that you liked the oxtails! XOXO
So Good yummmmm. Recipe so easy to follow. This is my second batch in less than a week The southern oxtails .
What should i do if the gravy does not not cover all of the oxtails?
If the recipe was followed there should be enough gravy. You can make more if needed.
OMG I made these yesterday..my hubby called me from work to say he LOVED the gravy..it was my first time making them..my gravy on the stove was thick do I had to use more than 3 cups of water..did I do something wrong? I added more and it was perfect!! So easy and delicious! So glad I found it..thanks!
Not sure why the gravy was too thick, but it sounds like you fixed it. Glad that you and your hubby liked the recipe!
Im making these OXTAILS!! right now!! 8 hours chat later!!
Looks absolutely delicious! Gonna attempt, thanks for sharing
Hi Shamara! Thanks for stopping by!
Hello can I cook the oxtails in the oven on 375 for 8hours ? I don’t have a slow cooker but I want to try your recipe
Hi Tamera! No, that’s too hot. Try 300 F in the oven for 3-4 hours.
I have never eaten oxtails, but your recipe sounds delicious. Now I just have to figure out where to buy oxtails.
Thanks! They sale oxtails at safeway, wincos, and even costco
Also sell Ox tails in Kroger, Save A Lot and your local meat market
Latino markets are a good bet also
Literally making these now!!
Hello, did you make the gravy homemade or using the gravy mixes? Can the gravy be made with packets?
Can they be cooked faster on the stove top?
Sure can.
Wow Rosie Thank you so much ❤ for the delicious recipe my Son and Grandson loved the oxtails they were delicious . I was hoping I could add a pic they came out so good and your right they just left the bone on the plate nothing else. Thank you again so glad I found your recipe today. Looking forward to many more . Thank you!!!
More tender in the crockpot or slow cooked in the oven (250) overnight. You wake up wanting to eat them for breakfast!!
Yes a friend of mine slow cooks them in the oven, but I only trust myself with the crockpot. I am trying these I was looking for a simple recipe like my mom used to make. I have done the Jamaican style and Cuban styled both good but I wanted a simple southern style recipe, this will do it I’m sure. I will cook and provide update. I want to eat them with rice and Okra, tomatoes and corn.
I’m attempting these now… however the gravy isn’t turning “brown” am I doing something wrong?
Sounds like you either didn’t cooking it long enough, or the temperature isn’t on the correct setting.
I’m trying for the first time no slow cooker I used dutch pot instead and put in oven hopefully it comes out
Amazing!!!! I just finished this recipe waited the allotted time followed the recipe step by step . 8 hours felt like 8 years the aroma had me up all night! Would not change a thing but I have to double the portion folk came from miles around…lol…BEST EVER thank u
YAY!!! So glad that you liked my recipe Tiffany. Happy New Year!
I have a Dutch oven and only about two pounds of ox tail. How long and at what temperature do you suggest I cook this?
Hi Inna, Please refer to this page.
Doing them now,I have followed your smother chicken recipe an My Youngest son was in a food coma,So delicious!!,I Always look for your Recipes!!
I just made your oxtails . Do you have an recipe for homemade banana pudding?
Yes, I have a recipe here
Miss Rosie, its a bout to go DOWN!.. i just divorced my second husband of 10 years and I wasn’t able to use my skills in the kitchen because “soul food” was a bit much and too flavorful for him.. he was the canned food type of guy.. I love getting in the kitchen and using some rich flavors.. I had these at a restaurant in Killeen texas last year and i fell in love with them.. now my fiancé loves soul food and grew up on it.. I am about to make oxtails for the first time.. I love that your ingredients are few and simple.. it is the PROCESS i find that makes food so good and rich.. Thank you for sharing and love your jokes.. No DOUBLE DIPPING! hahahaha.. Much love from Oklahoma
LOL! Enjoy the recipe!
Thank you, thank you, and thank you, Rosie. This recipe looks so good…I’m trying it this weekend, even if my wife don’t eat oxtails. I love them.
So thanks a bunch!
Mine are in the crockpot right now. I’ve never cooked oxtails before…nervous but excited at the same time! If they turn out tasting as good as yours look then my boyfriend is gonna act a fool! I’ll keep you posted. Off to your crab pot macaroni recipe now!
This is by far the best crock pot ox tails I’ve ever made! Thank you for sharing.
I am cooking this right now. I’ll have to work on my gravy skills but am otherwise hopeful. Let you know how it went!
OMG Rosie! I made this for dinner tonight along with your baked candied yams. Both were beyond delicious – definitely the best food I have made in a while! Thank you for both recipes! Can’t wait to try more of your dishes!
Hi Kristin! Thanks for trying my recipes!
I cooked this last week and it was delicious!!
OMG. MY OXTAILS WETE SOOOO GOOD. MY BOYFRIEND MOM WANTED THE RECEIPE. ( DIDNt GIVE)HE SAID IT WAD BETTER THAN HERS. IM NOT A COOK. BUT ROSIE YOU ARE TURNING ME ITO ONE. I MADE YOUR MAC AND CHEES AND CALOO. MAJOR HIT. SHOULD HAVE DOUBLED THE RECEIPE. THEY CAN EAT SUCKING THE BONES AND EVERYTHING LOL. I BARLEY GOT ANY MYSELF.
How about lamb chops
Hi Vanessa! I’m glad that you liked the recipe 🙂
I have made oxtails using your reciepe twice and the oxtails themselves came out perfect, the flavor is there and on both occasions the oxtails were tender but for some reason about half way through the cooking process I realize my gravy is no longer thick and it just looks really oily. The second time around I did change the gravy and use less oil but I still had the same result, what am I doing wrong?????
Hi Lakisha! Make sure that you trim most of the fat off of the oxtails before you cook them. That should do the trick 😉
Rosie, one thing some people might be doing wrong is adding the liquid too fast to the flour. After moving to Cajun country, I learned that when making a roux, you have to slowly add your liquid to the flour when making a roux or it will separate later on in the cooking process. You did say to add it slowly in step number 11 but some might have overlooked that. Fabulous recipe!
My boyfriend raises our beef. He has talked about oxtail for the 7 years we’ve. Been together. Can’t. Wait to surprise him with this for supper. I have it in our pressure cooked. Already smells great!!
Awesome! let me know how it comes out for you.
This will be my 1st time cooking oxtails and I figure I can’t go wrong in a slow Cooker lol.
I’m making it for Easter dinner.
Yes! Its quite simple. I love this recipe! Happy Easter Andre!
Oxtails have been in since 1045! Only 2 more hours! I’ve been wanting to make this recipe for a while now!
Hello Rosie,
I am so happy that I found this site. I have an aunt that makes the best oxtails I have ever had she does this and I come running, I swear I can smell them all the way in Boston and she lives in Florida. She hasn’t sent me the recipe well today I found you and your recipe is the only one I have found that even comes close to her recipe. My entire family was pretty shocked that I came so close to her recipe I only missed on significant flavor other than that it is almost exactly the same. I am so so happy. I LOVE THIS RECIPE. Thank you so much for doing this blog. I will become an avid follower.
I have been dying to try Ox Tails! Thank you Rosie for such an easy recipe and so mouth watering. I will be trying them within the next week and if I remember, I will post to you how they turned out. Again thanks 🙂
Hey Jacquie! I’m glad that you enjoyed the recipe!
Hi Rosie! I made these this weekend and they are to die for. I didn’t tell anyone what they were until all the compliments started then I let them know. Guess what………..requests to have this dinner more often. Again thanks for such a great easy recipe!
Hi Jacquie! I’m glad that your dinner was a success! XOX
Hi Rosie!
I’ve made your recipe twice now. The first time they were absolutely amazing.However the second time, the gravy was still comparable to peanut butter. It ended up tasting like flour.
Now on my third attempt, I feel defeated, because the gravy is still too think, literally resembling play-doh.
What should I do to fix it? I’ve already browned 5 lbs of oxtails.
Thanks
It sounds like you did something different hun. I’m trying t understand why it would come out right the first time, but not the second and third .
My first time making oxtails, i am using your recipe, they are in the crockpot right now, my fingers are crossed, yours look SPECTACULAR!!! Wish me luck!
Can you please tell me what oxtails tastes like? They look killer.
Hi Marybeth! Its super tender beef. Similar to beef ribs, with gravy.
It’s simply the tail of a cow, so it’s beef. It is a particularly delicious cut, I’ve been told. Trying it tonight!
Hi Rosie, I’m cooking this now according to your instruction. I added Jamaican allspice with a bit a thyme also and a bit of curry powder. From the taste of the gravy, it’s going to be delicious i know! I will report back with my results. Thanks!
Report: The best oxtails I’ve ever had! I’m making them again tonight!
Thanks Rosie!
Yay!!! Thanks for the review Charles!
Can you use the gravy packets? My gravy always comes out terrible!! 🙁
I prefer homemade gravy. However, you can try using store bought.
Hi Rosie, I want to make this dish using 1 lb of oxtail. Should I use the same measurements as listed? I’ve been following you for about 2 months now and every dish I’ve prepared to scrumptious! Thank you so much. 🙂
Hi Crystan! Thanks for following my blog! If you’re making 1 lb of oxtails, cut the recipe in half 🙂
Hello! Im excited to try your recipe. However i noticed in your video that after the salt and peper it looks like you added a dried herb, basil perhaps? I didnt see it in the recipe ingredient list, can you tell me what that was and how much of it you put in? Thank you!
Hi Becca. That would be dried parsley flakes, which isn’t necessary. I just used it to add more color. 🙂
Thank you so much! Parsley was my second guess!
I made Thai tonight and I got turned out great. I know you are officially done tweeking this recipe but I wanted to let to you know I added some creole seasoning to the gravy for a little kick and it was tasty!!
We had quite a bit of gravy left over so I tossed in the the freezer to use on some mashed potatoes in another meal. Thanks again! Thai recipe Is a keeper 🙂
Rosie this was the best oxtails I have ever had thank you so much for the recipe I wanted to make something special for my mom because she works really hard and I cooked them and she loved them ❤️
Hi Asha!! So glad that you and your mom liked the recipe! XOXO
Hi Rosie. I LOVE oxtails, but had never learned to cook them. I searched for a recipe and found your recipe. It looked delicious and sounded simple enough. I went for it this morning before church. And baby when I tell you that Sunday dinner was EVERYTHING!! They are tall off the bone, melt in your mouth good. Thank you. I am now subscribed to your blog. I this is a 5 star recipe. It won’t let me give it a 5.
Thanks for trying my recipe!! XOXO
I am going to try this oxtail recipe for the first time for my wife. I have not cooked them before so I am looking forward to using your recipe and cooking them in the slow cooker. My side dishes will be cabbage/collard green, yams and cornbread.
Thank you for sharing.
Trying them this weekend hope all goes well!! Will comment back once all said and done.
Rosie, I madeyour Southern Smoked Oxtails on Wednesday. Both my husband and I loved it. Your seasonings are always spot on. I’ve loved every one of your recipes I’ve tried. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much Chandra! XOXO
Hi Rosie
When browning the tails in the skillet do you turn them over to brown them on both sides?
Yes, brown both sides.
I made it yesterday for my husband’s and father in laws birthday. They LOVED It!!!! Super easy. Thanks for sharing. Definitely will make again soon!
Thanks for trying Lisa!
Hiw much longer do you suggest I cook if I’m doing 5 lbs of oxtails?
Add an additional hour to 1 1/2 hours. 🙂
Thanks! I’ll report my results.
HI! can I use this recipe in a pressure cooker?
If so would u please post directions.. thank you
Hi James. I will share pressure cooker recipes in the future.
Miss Rosie! Ma’am you have scored big time!! I love ox tails and this recipe struck my heart cords of my grandmothers Texas home cooking. Melt in the mouth meat and the gravy was fantastic. I served them over Konriko Wild Pecan Brown Rice…WOW! Keep the recipes coming!
Those oxtails are excellent . I found that on high the oxtails were done in about 5-ish hours. Maybe it changes depending on your slow cooker. But a great recipe packed w flavor. Thanks
Thanks for trying Bobby!
Hello I tried many of your recipes but the but this is my first time given I’ve never eaten oxtailss before however I’m a sucker for anything smotheredwill report back once they’re done no doubt in my mind or belly they’ll be delicious thanks for all your great recipes I’m sooo glad I found your site it’s my go for all recipes now✨
Glad that you found my blog!
I made this recipe and it was delicious. I can cook but love cooking by recipe and making others ideas. Will be making more of these recipes. I subscribed thanks for sharing.
Hi Rosie,
I made your southern smothered oxtails yesterday for Sunday dinner. It was the best oxtails I have ever eaten. Dear Lord it was so good! Thank you for sharing this recipe! I really mean it. We do a lot of cooking and we eat well! We know an outstanding dish when we taste it. I modified it only in the fact that I did not use a slow cooker. I prepared the whole dish in an enameled cast iron pot. After browning the oxtails, I deglazed the pot with meade and some beef stock. Then made the gravy, added the oxtails back to the pot with the thickly slice onion and crushed garlic, covered the meat with stock and into the oven for 3.5 hours. It was heaven in my mouth, I cannot stop thinking about it and can’t wait to polish off the leftovers this evening! Thank you Rosie and God Bless you and yours!
Lovin’ Rosie’s Southern Smothered oxtails in Edmonton, AB Canada!!
Thanks Again!
Thanks so much for trying Jaymes!
Bought 5 lbs of oxtails So I just doubled all the ingredients. Came out flavorful and tender! Just perfect. I served it with some basmati rice, chicken lard greens and biscuits for sipping up all that yummy gravy AND I have enough leftovers for lunch and dinner tomorrow
Definitely adding this recipe to my regular rotation. Thanks ♥️
***Collard greens NOT chicken lard (typo)
***sopping (hey, it’s 5am, haven’t had my coffee yet please feel free to edit LOL)
Glad that you liked the recipe!
I made this. Very good recipe . This is a do over for sure. I Had to make it gluten-feee so I used
King Aurthers all purpose GF flour. The only thing I would suggest if using gluten free flour is to use half the amount as it thickens more than normal flour. Thank-You for a great recipe. A new favorite for my family .
Best oxtails I ever had the gravy is so good! I did add a little vinegar to help with the tinderness I def will be making again.
Thanks so much for trying my recipe!
Hi rosie!, looks so yummy can i use a oven roaster if i dont have a crock pot ?
My question was answered lol i can use a roaster oven!!❤it came out so amazing loved the gravy!had it on for 5 hours n it came out so tender!n so yummy great recipe rosie !
Thanks for trying Tiffany!
Just made 5 lbs of oxtails following this recipe. I’m going to pour them over some homemade pasta noodles. Can’t wait. Smells fabulous. Thanks for the recipe, Rosie!
Thanks for trying Shaun!
I have never had oxtails before, but have been curious. I love to try new foods! These are in the crockpot right now, so the fiancee and I will be trying oxtail for the first time together tonight. I added mushrooms and used both red and yellow onion. I can’t wait to dig in! I’ll update and let you know if we both liked it.
Oxtail! I haven’t had that in years, since my granny passed. I will try this recipe. It looks just as yummy as granny’s. Don’t let the name hold you back. Call it Queue de Vache (French for cow tail). Thanks! Wonderful true Southern recipes.
I tried this recipe today and it was fantastic. My hubby thanks you because without this recipe I would have never tried them. I trust your site because every recipe I’ve tried comes out just as you say it will. Thank you and when you publish that cookbook I’ll be one of the first in line to snag a copy. Thanks again for your delicious recipes.
Thanks so much for trying my recipe!
Hi Rosie, while mixing, my gravy became too thick and wouldnt mix well with the broth. What did I do wrong? I ended up just mixing the broth, onions, and garlic and pouring over the oxtail will it still cook the same? Thank you.
Hi April, you can thin it out with broth.
Hi Rosie , my nickname is Rosie , sweet. Well first of all this recipe looks deeeelish i love oxtails . I make oxtail soup , my family loves it. Now i dont have a crockpot can i make this recipe on the stove or oven i really want to make this ??
Yes, it can be made on the stovetop 🙂
Rosie,
I really want to try this recipe. I work about 9 hours a day. I will be making 5lbs. Can you let me know if i have to home while these are cooking or can I just throw everything in the crockpot and go to work? Thanks!
“I” personally leave mine at home to cook in the slow cooker. However, some people worry about leaving slow cookers unattended.
This will be my first time trying to make Oaxtails. I searched and yours look great. Can I add some heat? If so I am open for suggestions.
Hi Tyra! Yes, you can add some red pepper flakes if you’d like 😉
Hello attempting to try this recipe Sunday and wanted to know how much water to add to crockpot or is none to be added after browning the ox tails and placing them in pot to cook?
Hi Shante. All the ingredients are listed 🙂
Hello. First time making oxtails and my family loved them. All went back for seconds. Followed your recipe step by step. The meat was very tender. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Rosie,
In the video you sprinkle a green herb after the salt and pepper.
What is it? Parsley?
This looks delicious and will be my first attempt at Oxtails.
Thanks!
Hi Kathy! Yes, It was parsley 🙂
Is a 6qt slower cooker big enough?
Absolutely!
Thanks for the recipe, my first time doing oxtails and they were perfect!
if you double the ingredients would you have to double the cooking time?
No, you don’t have to double the cooking time.
Rosie! You got people thinking I have an old soul with this recipe.! Its lie a special event when I make your tails. Ive made it 3 or 4 times and turned out great every time. I marinade for a few hours the tails in the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper before browning on all sides. At 8 hours I pour off almost all the greasy sediment and replace with beef broth and let cook for another 4 hours. Also Ive been using bell pepper, onion, garlic at the gravy time and add tomatoes fresh or canned to the last 4 hours. For heat I add cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. Yall read and make your gravy per recipe and you cant go wrong. The gravy is the truth! Remember cutting too many corners will mess up this recipe.
Um……. when does the gravy go in? Also my oxtail’s were burnt. Sincerely, a person who needs a cooking for dummies book ….
LOL!!!! The gravy was made hun. LOL
I just finished making these and the only thing I see wrong with the recipe is the portion size. I think I’m going to eat the whole thing myself! so simple and so delicious.
LOL!! Enjoy!
Great recipe! Do I need to stir the tails while their cooking? Or just leave them alone?
You can stir occasionally 🙂
In missing all of my family that has died off from Mississippi, I reached for this recipe was just what I needed to ground me for a SOULFUL weekend as at work I am EATING everyone else’s culture but my own (yes! I said it). Bless you Rosie
Patrice
We use a dutch oven, true Southern style. It only takes about 5 hours on 300 degrees. Still, a classic Soul Food recipe
I love your oxtail recipe. I have cooked them before and they were finger licking good. I just put some in the crockpot for Sunday dinner. Yummy!
I’m actively making this now My boyfriend wanted soul food for Valentine’s Day. We live in Nee Mexico but he’s originally from Oklahoma. He’s so excited to have this for dinner tonight. Thank you!!!!
Just followed your recipe and wow…this was my first time making oxtails. My wife’s loves them but I’ve never been a fan, but I tried them anyways. They came out perfect. I added 4 tablespoons of Walkerswood hot jerk seasoning and the taste was spectacular. Thanks!
Okay Rosie, the oxtails are in the slow cooker.
Can’t wait to see how they turn out.
I’ll contact you when there done. It looked so delicious I had to try it.
I’ll reply back and let you know how they were!
Rosie girl let me tell you. You must have been in my head. I literally woke up this morning dreaming and telling myself over and over and over that I needed to make oxtails with gravy in the slow cooker. Mind you I’ve never in my entire life ever had oxtails. Nobody in my family has ever made them so I’ve no idea where that thought came from. Be that as it may, I got up, went looking for some oxtails, then sat online to find a recipe. Low and behold you pop up with the exact recipe for what I was craving. Thank you girl for answering that craving call. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into these oxtails after church for Sunday dinner.
I love this recipe!!!! This will make my fourth time making it for my family and each and every time we enjoy it!!!!!
In the process of making now and it looks amazing. This is my first time making oxtails and of course I messed up and sauteed the onions and garlic with some oregano before making gravy but it turned out ok and it smells wonderful. Thanks so much for this recipe!!
Hi Rosie, do you know if this recipe can be made with almond or coconut flour to make it more keto friendly?
I would just braised without gravy for keto.
I made these a couple months ago for my husband because he really wanted some oxtails-I do not care for oxtails but wanted to make a good southern food dinner for him and I came across this recipe. I also had all the ingredients so it was time. I am NOT a good cook but I can cook enough to keep my family living-HA! The instructions were very simple but I did have an issue with the way the gravy came out and I can tell you it did NOT look like yours Rosie! Mine was more lighter in color and really thick, not sure if I cooked long enough or should have added more liquids. Even with my lack of cooking skills, even I knew something was up but I kept on with the recipe. I was hoping it would change after cooking but no it did not. I felt bad when I had to explain to my husband that I messed up his oxtails. He said he did not care and was going to eat them. He literally ate every bit of the oxtail with the exception of the bone!! I wish I took pictures but I dare not show Rosie what I did to her recipe…He loved them and I told him I would try again. So recipe 5 stars just not my cooking skills!!
Hi Angie! Practice makes perfect. Keep working on the gravy, be sure to following all steps, and you will master it . Xoxo
Recipe looks yummy and super easy!! I just bought some fresh oxtails and am making this for my dinner tomorrow night. I can’t wait to taste it. Also I am going to have the collards and cabbage mix that you have a recipe for as my sides. So actually doing 2 of your recipes.
I know dinner is going to be Awesome tomorrow night!!
I love your website. I want to make this for dinner, but I would like to add carrots to it. At what point would I add them? Thank you!
Best Oxtails recipe!! My husband absolutely loves it!!
Hello Rosie! I found your site a few years ago. I have always made the Jamaican oxtails, but decided I wanted a more soulful and southern flavored oxtail for Thanksgiving! I am soooo glad to have found your version! THESE WERE THE BEST SLOW COOKER OXTAILS I HAVE HAD IN A LONNNNNNG TIME! These were so flavorful..the right amount of ERRRTHANG! I froze some, and reheated them just today..THEY TASTED AS IF I HAD JUST MADE THEM! You go girl! You knocked this one outta the park! I just found your Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding recipe..gonna try if for my Christmas dessert table! Again, thank you for sharing this AWESOME recipe!! Peace and a whole lotta blessings!
Rosie,
I’m going in! Wish me luck….
I made this recipe tonight for dinner and I couldn’t wait to comment on it!!!So while I’m eating ,I’m commenting. It’s very delicious, the gravy is rich and so so yummy! I made mashed potatoes to accompany the oxtail and Brussels sprouts with bacon , red onion, and balsamic vinegar. Thank you for posting such a deliciuos and easy recipe
I have been looking at your website for a couple of hours and have bookmarked many of them to try. I saw this recipe and realized I tried it for the first time a little over a year ago. It is wonderful! Can’t wait to try more of them. Especially the fried chicken. If my day goes as planned tomorrow, I will be making the pork neck bones and also the honey bun cake. Thank you!!!!
Glad that you found my blog! XOXO
Hi Rosie, can I use the Instapot for this? Looks so good! Thanks
You sure can! XOXO
Prepared for Easter dinner, followed step by step. This is definitely the best oxtails I’ve prepared. Everyone left with full bellies and compliments.
Hi Rosie!
I recently found you on Pinterest while looking for an Oxtail recipe. I am a southern soul food girl and have been cooking for over 40 yrs. This was my first experience making oxtails with gravy and this recipe did not disappoint. I followed the recipe exactly and had to laugh at the gravy……we southern girl love a good gravy made with pan drippings and crumbs-lol. I am wondering if you have a recipe for Oxtail Soup? My best girlfriend made it with a tomato and beef broth base and vegetables that reminded me almost like what my grandmother made called Camp Stew (we are from south Alabama). Any help with this would be great. I subscribed to your email and can’t wait to try you other recipes.
Hi. Becky! I don’t have my oxtail stew listed on the my blog yet XOXO
My wife just prepared them for dinner and OMG they were sooooooo delicious!!! Thanks for the best recipes. Can’t wait until we make them again.
I love this recipe made this for Easter, they came out very well. I had to add more beef broth while making the gravy, but that’s not an issue for me. I noticed a little bit of meat and gravy was stuck to the sides of my crockpot. Next time I will spray non-stick cooking spray on the sides and bottom before adding the ingredients. I also just bought some pink Himalayan salt I may try this time around instead of kosher and I have some badia complete seasoning not sure but we shall see.
This is a great and easy to make recipe – thank you !!! This is one of my main dishes now At our house my wife really enjoys it and the kids too! You make a brother feel like he’s a Chef!
So glad that the family likes the recipe!
Wow! Had them for dinner, that was unreal!!!
Rosie!!! One of our local soul food restaurants is always out of oxtails and only has them available on Friday’s and Saturday’s. Your recipe was the first one I saw with a video and it turned out sooo very tender and yummy! I was sceptical about cooking on high for 8 hours so I cooked on high for 6 and low for 2 (lol). Turned out great meat falling off the bone and the gravy to die for. We ate with brown rice and collard greens. My neighbor doesn’t cook but always buying ingredients for things she likes to eat (interesting partnership) I of course like to cook. Then we share with my parents and their best friend who all used to cook large Sunday dinners for us when we were small! Thanks again! Soo flavorful!
I love this recipe because there is no mucking around with solid flavours. I make this frequently and it is just so delicious. Thank you!!
Thanks for trying my recipe! XOXO
I’m literally making this recipe right now and my house smells amazing!… Can’t wait to try them. During the cooking process in the crockpot, are you supposed to stir it? Im so excited I can’t stop staring at them!
You don’t have to stir 🙂
OMG, thank you for making me look like a REAL cook! I love the fact that this recipe is so simple (compared to a lot of the others). My husband and I have enjoyed these multiple times, and I’m working on a batch now. But I do have one question, how much time would you suggest if I were to put them in an InstaPot?
Thanks in advance!
I did this recent’y in the instapot for 1 1/2 hours. 😉
Miss Rosie thanks for this wonderful site.I can only find huge oxtails around here about a 1# each is that okay? I’m used to the smaller ones so you have a bunch these have a lot of meat but you won’t have the bones with marrow and cologen etc.What would you do.
Hi David! Yes, you can use large oxtails. I usually cook different sizes.
Hello. I am making this oxtail recipe today. In the video the oxtails are sprinkled with salt & pepper and some green flakes. What are those green flakes in the video? I do not see this ingredient in the list. Please advise. Thanks so much.
Hi Angel. It’s parsley flakes.
Rosie what was that dried green herb seasoning you added in the video?
It was parsley flakes 🙂
Making this amazing smothered oxtail meal for the 4th time. My husband cannot get enough.
I purchased you new recipe book and ordering more for xmas gifts.
Rosie you have brought variety into my kitchen and I plan out my meals using many of your recipes.
Thank you so very much!
Thank you so much. I have been using this recipe for two years!
Hi Cousin Rosie! I’m gonna try this recipe to cook hubby some of faves-OXTAILS! This looks simple yet delicious
This was the first recipe I had ever found of yours and I tried it, and I have used it ever since! It’s definitely a favorite ☺️
This recipe was so easy to follow. It’s the only way I do my oxtails now. Thank you so much!
Hi
I love oxtails and I will try these smothered ones. Do you have the recipe for Jamaican style that you can share? I’m a single mom and this is the only thing I can actually eat without having to share with my youngin…LOL…I know that’s terrible. Help me out IHeartRecipes please
I am going to try this recipe because I really like oxtails. I do prefer Jamaican or Caribbean style. Do you know how to modify this recipe to do that? As a single mom, this is one of the delicacies I can have and don’t have to share because my son doesn’t like them……Yay for me!
I’ve never made, or even tried oxtails, but Im definitely gonna try this recipe!! Looks delicious, and all of your other recipes have been amazing! Thanks for sharing!!
I’ve never made, or even tried oxtails, but I’m definitely gonna try this recipe! All of your other recipes have been amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Hey cousin happy Thanksgiving I’m entering your Thanksgiving contest my name is Danielle Guidry
1 seafood gumbo
2 southern oxtails
3 southern seafood boil
4 slow cooked jambalaya
5 hamburger soup
6 slow cooked smothered roast
7 collard greens
8 Baked macaroni & cheese
9: southern green beans
10 Southern smothered cabbage
11 smoked turkey
All of the recipes I’ve seen thus far are fire, but it’s the Sweet Potato Pie recipe that has my heart!
Cherise Howard
This recipe is one of my favorites along with your Southern Sweet Potato Pie & Slow cooker Mac & Cheese! My name is Monica Straite. Wishing you an amazing & blessed holiday season cousin. Love ya
Hey cousin I’m entering your Thanksgiving contest my name is Danielle Guidry my favorite recipes are
1 sweet potato pie
2 faux gumbo
3 southern seafood boil
4 southern oxtails
5 soul food collards
6 slow cooked beef roast
7 jambalaya
Southern Mac and cheese
Can I cook Oxtail in my pressure cooker?
absolutely! 🙂
I cooked this today and followed the recipe. It was delicious. I will definitely make this again.
I am WITHOUT SPEECH! I made this last weekend & I’ve already told my in-laws to make sure they continue to save me the tails when they butcher their cows! I’ve made tails for YEARS …however, NEVER like this! I’ve GROWN up on the veggie soup style & SOMETIMES other ways. My parents who were chefs showed me how to cook & the love WE put into it! YOU showed YOUR love for that cut of beef HONEY! My ONLY mistake was NOT adding MORE thicker onions! I also forgot about them…thus the meat fells off when I scooped some up. I am SO SORRY for the length of this but I’m in my..ahem late 50’s & eating something so delicious ONE way BLEW my mind! Something so simple & YET so filling! I HAD to make more onions as the ones melded away. My younger son, was leery of eating them (LOL), so when he saw JUST the meat he was okay. My older son said…”WHERE’S the bone?”, in the beef commercial voice. Not sure how long they ended up cooing but in between time, I skimmed off the fat & saving to made french fries! ANYWAY…I followed the recipe EXACTLY & LOVE how you don’t have to add a thing except MORE of something for PERSONAL tastes. I found that I only added extra onion & garlic as MY personal taste. It DID NOT NEED IT! BE clear about that. I am blessed to NOT have to buy the tails & when they first gave me the WHOLE tail…I was surprised at how big they are! What I’ve seen in the store does NOT even come close to what I’m able to get now. ANYWAY, on a very personal note…I dreamt of my mom that night & I think she’s glad I found another way to fix them. I guess It never occurred to do it until I had so much at hand until I looked for another way to fix them. Thank you for your great taste!
Hi Marion!! Thank YOU for the amazing comment. I’m so glad that you found my recipe, and loved it! XOXO
Really delightful oxtail!!! Extremely flavorful. Great with rice or mashed, also good with a little bit of Curry seasoning if you want island style.
Great recipe! Taste really great with Spanish rice.
Diving into this one today. Looks a whole lot like what I’ve seen Southern grandmothers make. Thanks for posting. I’m positive this is the one I’ve been looking for.
LOVE LADY! LOOKS DELICIOUS
I don’t this, but I made it for my family.
Good Morning Cousin!
Made these AGAIN but THIS time, I thinned out the gravy for dipped sandwiches! TALK about good! Having in-laws who raise cows, I have access to various cuts of beef. wanting something different, I chose to made dipped sandwiches. They were so good that my son is having ANOTHER one for breakfast! We used ciabatta rolls so all that gravy goodness got in the crevices! Like others, I come to YOUR site first for my soul food cravin’s! God love your heart!
Thanks for sharing
your recipe looks great I’ve never had ox tails before am going to try them sunday
Absolutely delicious, my husband loves the recipe…thank you
Very good. I will make it again.
Making this this weekend !!
Great! Love the clarity and the recipe.
Love all your recipes!
Thank you!! XOXO
Yes I made this simple and very delicious recipe. Thank you.
I am trying knew foods and I found beef tail at my local store so I decided to try it. I am searching for recipes and will try yours first. I will let you now how I like it. what is the name of your u tube channel please?