Southern Smothered Oxtail

This southern oxtail recipe is comfort food at its finest. Rich gravy and tender meat will make it a family favorite!

📝 Ingredients

• 3 lbs Beef Oxtail
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
• 1/2 Bell Pepper (diced)
• 1/2 medium Bell Pepper (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 medium Yellow Onion (roughly chopped)
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 2 ribs Celery (roughly chopped)
• 8 oz. San Marzano Tomatoes
• 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Apple Cider
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 1/3 cup Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 2 medium Carrots (chopped)
• 2 medium Potatoes (chopped)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Marinate the Oxtail ---
2. 2Clean oxtails with a combination of water and lime juice. Set aside
3. 3Using a small mixing bowl or ramekin mix the dry seasonings together. Set aside.
4. 4Place oxtail in a large bowl and then season them oxtail generously with the spice mixture. Add the Worcestershire sauce rubbing the oxtail well to make sure they are fully covered. Add the diced onions and peppers then marinate the oxtail for at least 30 minutes but overnight preferred if you have time.
5. 5--- Prepare the Sofrito ---
6. 6Heat oil in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat and saute the onions, celery, peppers, and garlic 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove all ingredients and place in a blender with the tomatoes. Blend to a smooth puree. Set aside.
7. 7--- Cook the Oxtail ---
8. 8Heat oil in a large dutch oven pot on medium-high heat. Add the marinated oxtail (reserve the marinade leftovers) and brown on all sides. Remove the oxtail and set aside in a paper towel lined bowl.
9. 9Add the flour and give it a stir mixing it into the oil. Add more oil if needed.
10. 10Add the cider and deglaze the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon scraping up all the brown bits. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
11. 11Add the beef stock and the sofrito. Add some more of the dry seasoning and mix everything well.
12. 12Add the bay leaves, fresh thyme, and the leftover marinade mix to the pot.
13. 13Allow to cook for 3-4 minutes then add the browned oxtail back. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 3 hours. Add the diced carrots and potatoes and cook for another 20-30 minutes until both are fork tender.
14. 14Remove oxtail then reduce pot liquid to desired gravy consistency.