If you’ve been moving through the day, your body usually tells you before your mind catches up.
That quiet heaviness or slow tired feeling shows up long before you sit down.
A little of that is normal, we all push through busy moments. But when it lingers, even simple meals start to feel like a task. That’s when I turn to a pot of oxtail.
I make it on days when I want something warm and steady, something that takes its time without asking much from me.
It’s just slow cooking that gives me a moment to breathe while the pot does the work.
What I enjoy most is how the flavor builds on its own, the broth gets deeper, the meat softens, and the kitchen feels calm again.
It’s the kind of food that settles you before you even take a bite. And if you want a meal that feels grounding and comforting without any rush, this is one worth trying.
Why I love To Make This Recipe So Often?
I enjoy how predictable this recipe is. As long as the pot stays on a low simmer, the oxtail always cooks the way it should.
I like checking on it now and then, giving it a stir, seeing the broth turn darker, and watching the fat melt slowly.
It never feels rushed or tricky.
And I love how the meat turns tender every single time. It’s the kind of dish that rewards patience with flavor.
It also reheats beautifully. Sometimes it tastes even better the next day, which makes it an easy choice for busy weeks.
Oxtail Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven for searing and slow simmering
- Tongs to turn the oxtail pieces
- Wooden Spoon for stirring
- Cutting Board for prepping vegetables
- Knife for chopping
- Ladle for serving
- Fine mesh skimmer optional, to remove excess fat
Ingredients
Main
- 3 lbs. Oxtail pieces
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 4 Garlic cloves minced
- 2 Carrots sliced
- 2 Celery stalks chopped
- 1–2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Broth
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce optional for depth
Optional Add-ins
- Potatoes
- Green onions
- Fresh herbs
- Scotch bonnet for heat
Instructions
- Season the OxtailCoat the pieces with salt, pepper, and a little oil.
- Brown the MeatIn a hot pot, sear the oxtail until each side turns golden and slightly crisp.
- Sauté the VegetablesRemove the meat, then cook the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in the same pot.
- Add the Base FlavorsStir in tomato paste, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaves until everything smells rich.
- Add the BrothReturn the oxtail to the pot and pour in the broth and water.
- Simmer SlowlyLower the heat and let it cook for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the SeasoningTaste the broth and add salt or pepper if needed.
- Let It SettleLet it rest for a few minutes so the flavors settle and the broth thickens slightly.
- Serving StepI spoon the oxtail and broth into bowls and serve it with rice, bread, or potatoes, whatever feels right that day.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the oxtail in red wine, garlic, and herbs overnight before cooking.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Nutrition
How This Dish Fits Into My Day
I tend to make this on days when I’m home for a while. The pot does most of the work while I’m doing other things.
It helps on evenings when I want something comforting without needing to prep too much.
Once everything is in, it just cooks slowly in the background.
And I like serving it when I want a meal that feels warm and filling. A small bowl goes a long way, and the broth is always soothing.
Even when I adjust the spices or add different vegetables, it still comes out right. That flexibility makes this dish easy to rely on.
What to Serve With Oxtail
- Steamed rice
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Fried plantains
- Simple green salad
Conclusion
I also like how the leftovers deepen in flavor overnight. The broth settles, the spices blend, and the whole dish tastes even smoother the next day.
It’s the kind of meal that makes the kitchen feel calm while it cooks. A slow simmer, a warm pot, and a dinner that waits patiently for you.
And each time I serve it, I’m reminded why I keep this recipe in my routine. It brings comfort without trying too hard, just honest, steady cooking that always hits the spot.
