Southern Oxtail Recipe

This southern oxtail recipe is a cherished classic that evokes memories of Sunday soul food dinners and family gatherings. Cooked to tender perfection, these oxtails, are smothered in rich, velvety brown gravy with bell pepper and onion and served over rice.

Southern oxtails is a timeless soul food recipe that is a true labor of love. One of Marrekus’ favorite memories of growing up in the South is the comforting aroma of oxtails wafting through his grandmother’s kitchen. My favorite part of this southern oxtail recipe is the velvety brown gravy! It’s reminiscent of our Smothered Chicken recipe.

Our southern oxtail recipe is cooked to tender perfection and brought to life with a medley of seasonings and aromatics. Whether you’re well-acquainted with this cherished dish or embarking on a flavor-filled journey into soul food cooking, these southern oxtails will transport you to a world where culinary heritage meets modern-day comfort.

Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and let’s cook up this southern oxtail recipe that’s as timeless as it is delicious!

What is Oxtail?

Oxtail is a cut of meat that comes from the tail of a cow. It’s a bit unique because, unlike other cuts of beef, oxtail contains a lot of bone and connective tissue, which gives it a rich, hearty flavor and a wonderfully tender texture when it’s cooked slowly.

This special cut has been a staple in Southern and Soul Food cooking for generations, often used to create comforting, flavorful dishes like oxtail stew or this southern oxtail recipe with brown gravy.

We also use oxtail in these amazing Oxtail Chili Cheese Fries and Smoked Oxtails with rice and beans.

Oxtail Recipe Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds beef oxtails
• 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour, divided
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Oxtail Seasoning 

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon spoon seasoned salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated onion
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
• 1 teaspoon of Sazón

Special Equipment and Tools

• Large Heavy-Duty Aluminum Roaster or Dutch Oven: You’ll need a large, heavy-duty pot or roaster to brown the oxtails and then slow-cook them in the oven. A Dutch oven is a great choice for this type of recipe, but any large oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
• Whisk: A good whisk is essential for making a smooth gravy. Make sure it’s sturdy and can handle mixing the flour and liquid effectively.
• Chopping Board and Knife: These are essential for slicing the onions and bell peppers, and mincing the garlic.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: These will help you handle the oxtails when you’re browning them and moving them in and out of the pan.

How to Make Oxtail Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, ground black pepper, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, lemon pepper, ground white pepper, Italian seasoning, and Sazón. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

Oxtail Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oxtails: Start by seasoning your oxtails with 2 tablespoons of Oxtail Seasoning mixture. Then, sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the oxtails. Make sure they get a good coating but don’t forget to shake off any excess flour.

Step 2: Brown Oxtails: Heat oil in a large heavy-duty roaster or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, it’s time to add your seasoned oxtails. Give them a beautiful golden brown sear and keep turning until they are browned on all sides. Once your oxtails are browned, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy: Leave the oil in the pan and whisk in 1 cup flour. This will be the base of your brown gravy. Pour in beef stock and add another tablespoon of oxtail seasoning. Keep whisking until the gravy becomes silky-smooth and takes on a beautiful caramel brown color.

Step 4: Add the Aromatics: Once your gravy is smooth and beautifully brown, lower the heat to medium. Add in the sliced onion, bell pepper, and garlic.

Step 5: Return Oxtails to Pot: Place seared oxtails back into the pot and give them a gentle stir.

Step 6: Roast in the Oven: Cover your pot and place it into the preheated oven set at 325°F. Let your oxtails simmer and stew for 2 hours and 45 minutes up to 3 hours. This slow cooking will transform those oxtails into a melt-in-your-mouth delight.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: When you finally take your smothered oxtails out of the oven, spoon that rich and hearty gravy generously all over. Then, serve them over a bed of fluffy rice.

What Does Oxtail Taste Like?

Oxtail has a rich, deep, and wonderfully beefy taste, with a flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The magic happens when you cook it low and slow, which makes the meat incredibly tender, almost like it’s melting in your mouth.

Serving Suggestions

It’s only right to serve this southern oxtail recipe with some classic Southern and Soul Food side dishes. Here are some tried-and-true options that’ll make your meal complete:

Plain white rice, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, and Southern Cabbage. Other ideas include cornbread, mac and cheese, black-eyed peas, creamed corn, butter beans, pinto beans, or biscuits.

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