The Best Southern Oxtail Stew

beef broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Homemade broth enhances flavor without additives.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: cooking wine

Grape juice maintains sweetness without alcohol.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is more affordable and neutral in flavor.

parsley

🥗Healthier: cilantro

💰Cheaper: green onions

Green onions add freshness and are less expensive.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Season oxtails with salt and black pepper, then brown in batches until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Remove oxtails and set aside; add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour in worcestershire sauce and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze, and simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Return oxtails to the pot, then add bay leaves and thyme.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 2-3 hours until oxtails are tender.

Add potatoes and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes until potatoes are cooked through.

Remove bay leaves and thyme stems; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: