How to Make Delicious Braised Oxtail in a Slow Cooker

Braised oxtail is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion. With the help of a slow cooker, this recipe becomes even easier to make. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious braised oxtail recipe in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

To make braised oxtail in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs. of oxtail
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine
• 2 tbsp. of tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. of thyme
• 1 tsp. of rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil
• 

Instructions

1. Preheat your slow cooker on high heat.
2. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season the oxtail with salt and pepper and brown them in the skillet, for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
4. Remove the oxtail and place them in the slow cooker.
5. In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they are slightly soft.
6. Add the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute.
7. Pour in the red wine, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary, and bring it to a boil.
8. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker with the oxtail.
9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 4-6 hours or low heat for 8-10 hours, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
10. Once done, remove the oxtail and set it aside.
11. Strain the sauce from the slow cooker and pour it into a large saucepan.
12. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, until it has thickened.
13. Pour the sauce over the oxtail and serve it hot with your favorite sides.

Tips

• If you want to save time, you can brown the oxtail the night before and refrigerate them until ready to use.
• For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the oxtail in the wine and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tbsp. of cornstarch with 2 tbsp. of water and stir it into the saucepan when simmering.

Health Benefits of Oxtail

Oxtail is a flavorful and nutrient-rich meat that is often overlooked. It is a great source of protein, iron, and vitamins B12 and B6. Additionally, it contains collagen, which is great for skin health and joint pain relief. Braising oxtail in a slow cooker helps to tenderize the meat and make it even more nutritious.

In conclusion, braised oxtail in a slow cooker is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful and tender meal that your family and friends will love.