Looking for a dish that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with deep, savory flavors? Look no further

Melt-in-your-mouth Smothered Oxtails

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 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!