Craving the ultimate comfort meal? Then get ready for a treat! This Slow-Braised Oxtail Stew is packed with deep, rich flavours and fall-apart tender meat, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner. As it slowly simmers, the ingredients come together beautifully, creating a luscious, savoury gravy that’s just begging to be paired with creamy mashed potatoes or traditional German dumplings. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a warm and hearty weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Slow-Braised Oxtail Stew
- Deep, Rich Flavour – The slow cooking process allows the meat and seasonings to fully develop, resulting in a bold and satisfying taste.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – As it braises, the oxtail becomes irresistibly tender, making each bite an absolute delight.
- Perfect for Cold Weather – There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of this hearty, soul-warming stew.
- Pairs Well with Many Sides – Serve it with mashed potatoes, traditional German dumplings, or crusty bread to soak up the flavourful gravy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavours deepen overnight, making it an excellent meal-prep option that tastes even better the next day.
This Oxtail Stew is everything you want in a comforting meal—rich, flavourful, and deeply satisfying. The slow braising process transforms the meat into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the bold spices infuse the gravy with layers of warmth and depth. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy Sunday dinner or planning meals for the week ahead, this dish is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Slow-Braised Oxtail Stew
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs oxtail
- 3 Tbsp Sunflower Oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tomatoes cored, peeled and chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- ¾ cup / 130 g / 4.6 oz kidney beans, soaked for 4-12 hours
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon Knorr instant gravy
- 6 cups / 1.4 L / 48 oz water (add as needed)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Oxtail – Wash and dry the oxtail with paper towels and trim off excess fat.
- Brown the Meat – Heat sunflower oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the oxtail pieces until browned on all sides.
- Season & Sauté – Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until translucent and fragrant.
- Build the Flavour – Add the bay leaf, cloves, and 3 cups of water.
- Prepare the Tomatoes – To easily peel the tomatoes, make an ‘X’ cut at the base, place them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and cool. The skin will slide off easily. Chop on a cutting board using a knife and add to the pot.
- Simmer the Stew – Add the soaked kidney beans and chopped carrots. Skim off any excess fat during cooking. Stir in the Knorr instant gravy.
- Slow Cook – Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, adding 1 cup of water at a time as needed.
- Adjust & Thicken – Check seasoning and adjust if necessary. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the gravy to your preference.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove the bay leaf and serve the Slow-Braised Oxtail Stew with German dumplings (Knödel) or mashed potatoes.
Variations of this Slow-Braised Oxtail Stew Recipe
- Wine-Infused Stew: Replace 1 cup of water with red wine for a richer depth of flavour.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze leftover oxtail stew?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What’s the best way to reheat oxtail stew?
Gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
What can I serve with this stew?
Mashed potatoes, German dumplings, rice, or crusty bread all pair beautifully.
I Would Love to Hear From You!
Tried this Slow-Braised Oxtail Stew Recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more delicious recipes.
Get the Right Tools for the Job
The KitchenAid 4-Quart Casserole with Lid in brushed stainless steel is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and durability. Known for producing reliable and long-lasting kitchen tools, KitchenAid's casserole dish is designed to withstand the test of time, making it an essential piece in any kitchen. Whether you're simmering a hearty stew or making a comforting casserole, this versatile dish is built to deliver consistent, excellent results for years to come.
The Victorinox Swiss Classic Multicoloured 3-Piece Paring Knife Set features ultra-sharp stainless steel blades and ergonomic, lightweight handles for precision and comfort. Perfect for peeling, slicing, and intricate cuts, these durable Swiss-made knives add a pop of colour to your kitchen while ensuring effortless food prep.
This high-quality KitchenAid Classic Rubberwood Cutting Board is a must-have for any kitchen. Crafted from durable, eco-friendly rubberwood, it features a reversible design with a perimeter trench to catch juices and prevent spills. Measuring 8 inches by 10 inches, it’s the perfect size for chopping, slicing, and prepping your ingredients.
