Slow Cooker Oxtails with Onion Gravy – A Soul-Satisfying Comfort Meal

Looking for a dish that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with deep, savory flavors? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Oxtails with Onion Garlic Gravy. Oxtails may not always be the star in everyone’s kitchen, but trust me, once you get a taste of these tender, fall-off-the-bone beauties, you’ll be hooked. This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, meaning the oxtails soak up all that flavorful gravy, while the onions and garlic give it a kick that’s both satisfying and crave-worthy.

Picture this: tender, juicy oxtails smothered in a rich onion garlic gravy that’s been simmering all day in your slow cooker. The best part? Your house will smell like pure comfort while this magic happens. You might even have folks knocking at your door, drawn in by the mouthwatering aroma. Whether you’re new to cooking oxtails or this is your go-to dish, let’s dive into how you can make this dish the ultimate family meal. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

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Why You Should Make This Dish

Oxtails are a deeply underrated cut of beef, and when cooked right, they turn into something truly special. They’re packed with flavor, and the slow cooking process makes them unbelievably tender, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The combination of oxtails, onions, garlic, and a luscious homemade gravy is a match made in food heaven. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want something comforting after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even grits—whatever your heart desires.

Here’s why you need to make Slow Cooker Oxtails with Onion Garlic Gravy:

• Unbeatable flavor: The rich, beefy flavor of oxtails gets a boost from the slow cooking process and the savory onion garlic gravy.
• Easy to prepare: All you need is a little prep time, and your slow cooker does the rest. Perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade meal.
• Crowd-pleaser: This dish will have everyone coming back for seconds—maybe even thirds. The gravy alone is enough to have folks licking their plates.
• Ultimate comfort food: When it comes to comfort food, oxtails are right up there with pot roast and fried chicken. They’re hearty, satisfying, and sure to warm your soul.

So, let’s get to it and turn your kitchen into a slow-cooked heaven.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Slow Cooker Oxtails with Onion Garlic Gravy. Get your pantry and fridge ready for some serious flavor!

• 2 1/2 pounds beef oxtails
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for browning the oxtails)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the gravy)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Extra salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Slow Cooker Oxtails with Onion Garlic Gravy

Step 1: Season and Brown the Oxtails

Start by giving those oxtails some love. Season them with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t be shy—this is where we start building flavor.

Once seasoned, drizzle 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce all over the oxtails. This adds a bit of depth and umami that’ll make your gravy sing.

Now, coat the oxtails in 1/4 cup of flour. This helps with browning and also thickens the gravy later on.

Step 2: Brown the Oxtails

Heat up 3/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the oxtails in the pan and let them brown on all sides. You’re not trying to cook them all the way through—just get that nice brown crust that locks in flavor.

Once the oxtails are browned, remove them from the pan and place them in your slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the Onion Garlic Gravy

Now, let’s get to that gravy. In the same pan, you used to brown the oxtails, you’ll want to make sure there are no burnt bits left behind. If there are, strain the oil, clean the pan, and pour the oil back in.

Gradually add 1 cup of flour to the oil, whisking as you go. Keep whisking continuously until the flour turns a nice golden brown color and becomes chunky in texture. You’re essentially making a roux here, which will thicken your gravy.

Once the flour is browned, slowly pour in 3 cups of beef broth (or water), while whisking to avoid lumps. You’ll want to whisk until the gravy is smooth and has thickened up a bit.

Turn the heat up to high and bring the gravy to a full boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook the gravy until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is where you build the final layer of flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Slow Cook the Oxtails

Once the gravy is ready, pour it all over the oxtails in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re fully submerged in that savory goodness.

Set your slow cooker on high and let the oxtails cook for 6 – 8 hours. During this time, the oxtails will become tender, juicy, and packed with flavor as they absorb all that delicious gravy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

After 8 hours, your slow cooker oxtails are ready to go. Serve them hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or any side of your choice. Make sure to drizzle plenty of that onion garlic gravy over the top. Enjoy every bite!

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Don’t rush the browning: Browning the oxtails is essential for building flavor, so don’t skip this step. It might take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for that deep, savory taste.
• Use beef broth for richer flavor: While water will do in a pinch, using beef broth for the gravy gives it a deeper, richer flavor.
• Make sure the oxtails are fully submerged: When slow-cooking, make sure the oxtails are fully covered with gravy. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and soak up all the deliciousness.
• Low and slow: If you have time, you can also cook the oxtails on low for 10-12 hours for even more tender meat.
• Don’t forget to taste the gravy: Season as you go! Gravy needs to be well-seasoned to balance the richness of the oxtails.
• Skim the fat: Oxtails can release a lot of fat during cooking. If you want a leaner gravy, skim the excess fat off the top before serving.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Spicy Oxtails: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
2. Herbed Gravy: Throw in fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs while the oxtails cook to infuse the gravy with herbal notes.
3. Wine-Infused Gravy: Replace half the beef broth with red wine for a more complex flavor.
4. Carrot and Potato Oxtails: Add carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker for a full one-pot meal.
5. Tomato-Based Gravy: Stir in some tomato paste or diced tomatoes to give the gravy a richer, deeper flavor.
6. Smoky Oxtails: Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke in the gravy to add a hint of smokiness.
7. Cajun-Style Oxtails: Season the oxtails with Cajun seasoning for a spicy, bold flavor.
8. Caribbean-Inspired Oxtails: Add allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers for a tropical twist.
9. Creamy Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier gravy.
10. Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy, savory addition.
11. Coconut Milk Oxtails: Replace some of the beef broth with coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet variation.
12. Garlic Lovers Oxtails: Double up on the garlic if you’re a big fan of bold, garlicky flavors.
13. Slow Cooker Oxtails with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the gravy for extra smokiness.
14. BBQ Oxtails: Finish the oxtails with a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy, smoky finish.
15. Mexican-Style Oxtails: Add cumin, oregano, and chopped cilantro for a Mexican-inspired version.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Oxtails with Onion Garlic Gravy

This dish is versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are 15 options to complete your meal:

1. Creamy mashed potatoes
2. White rice
3. Brown rice
4. Polenta
5. Grits
6. Buttered noodles
7. Roasted vegetables
8. Green beans with garlic
9. Cornbread
10. Biscuits
11. Sautéed spinach
12. Collard greens
13. Baked mac and cheese
14. Garlic bread
15. Caesar salad

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover oxtails in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the cooked oxtails. Place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat.
• Reheat: To reheat, warm the oxtails and gravy in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

How Much Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

For family gatherings, plan on serving about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of oxtails per person. Oxtails are rich and flavorful, but since they contain a lot of bone, you’ll want to account for that in your portions. If you’re feeding a crowd, I recommend using at least 5 pounds of oxtails especially if your oxtails come with a lot of small ones to ensure everyone gets a hearty portion.

How Far in Advance Can I Make Slow Cooker Oxtails with Onion Garlic Gravy?

You can make this dish up to two days in advance. Just prepare the oxtails and gravy as directed, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, adding a little beef broth or chicken broth if needed to loosen the gravy.