Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Smothered Oxtails recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, homemade onion and garlic gravy, these oxtails are so tender they fall off the bone. Perfect for Sunday suppers or any day you need a soul-warming meal, this dish is a timeless favorite that brings back memories of home-cooked goodness.
Growing up, my mom’s oxtails were the highlight of our family dinners. Served alongside her famous southern-style potato salad, mixed greens, and corn muffins, it was a feast we all looked forward to. This recipe captures that same nostalgia, with a gravy so flavorful it’ll have you scraping your plate clean. Whether you’re new to oxtails or a seasoned fan, this is the go-to recipe you’ll return to time and again.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds beef oxtails
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- * Additional salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Season the oxtails with 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the oxtails and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour over the oxtails, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Heat 3/4 cup vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Brown the oxtails in the hot oil, then transfer them to a slow cooker.
- If the pan has burnt bits, strain the oil, clean the pan, and return the oil.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining flour until it resembles chunky peanut butter.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth or water, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions and minced garlic.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then pour the gravy over the oxtails in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 8 hours, until the oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side for a hearty meal.
Enjoy this Southern Smothered Oxtails recipe and let the flavors transport you to a place of warmth and comfort!
