If you love rich and hearty meals, this Paula Deen Braised Oxtail Recipe is perfect. It is slow-cooked, tender and full of flavor. Many people search for the best Paula Deen Braised Oxtail Recipe because it melts in your mouth.
This dish is great for family dinners. It feels warm and comforting. In this guide, you will learn How to make Paula Deen Braised Oxtail at home using simple steps and basic ingredients.
This comforting recipe is inspired by Paula Deen, known for her classic Southern cooking.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
- The secret to this dish is slow cooking. Oxtail becomes very tender when cooked for a long time. It absorbs all the flavors from the broth.
- Another secret is browning the meat first. This adds deep flavor and rich color. The sauce becomes thick and delicious.
- Using fresh herbs and vegetables also makes a big difference. They bring natural sweetness and aroma to the dish.

Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Braised Oxtail
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Braised Oxtail
- 2 pounds oxtail pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Season the Oxtail
Pat oxtail pieces dry with paper towel. Season well with salt and pepper on all sides for better flavor.
2. Brown the Meat
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add oxtail pieces and brown on all sides until deep golden color forms.
3. Remove and Set Aside
Take browned oxtail out of the pot. Place on a plate and keep aside while preparing the vegetables.
4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
5. Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook for one minute. Stir well to release aroma without burning the garlic.
6. Add Liquids and Flavor
Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Mix everything well.
7. Return Oxtail to Pot
Place browned oxtail back into the pot. Make sure pieces are mostly covered with the liquid mixture.
8. Slow Cook the Oxtail
Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Meat should become very tender and soft.
9. Thicken the Sauce
If needed, mix flour with a little water and add to the pot. Cook for few minutes until sauce thickens.
10. Serve Hot
Remove bay leaf and serve oxtail hot. Enjoy with rice, mashed potatoes, or fresh bread.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Brown meat well for deeper flavor
- Use red wine instead of some broth for richness
- Add potatoes for a complete meal
- Cook in slow cooker for easier method
- Skim extra fat from top before serving
- Add chili flakes for slight heat
- Use fresh herbs for better aroma
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
- This Paula Deen Braised Oxtail Recipe tastes best with warm sides. Serve it over white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- You can also pair it with crusty bread. It helps soak up the rich sauce. Steamed vegetables also work well as a side.
- This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftover oxtail in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a little water or broth if sauce becomes too thick.
- You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Paula Deen Braised Oxtail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds oxtail pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon flour optional, for thickening
Instructions
Season the Oxtail
- Pat oxtail pieces dry with paper towel. Season well with salt and pepper on all sides for better flavor.
Brown the Meat
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add oxtail pieces and brown on all sides until deep golden color forms.
Remove and Set Aside
- Take browned oxtail out of the pot. Place on a plate and keep aside while preparing the vegetables.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
Add Garlic
- Add minced garlic and cook for one minute. Stir well to release aroma without burning the garlic.
Add Liquids and Flavor
- Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Mix everything well.
Return Oxtail to Pot
- Place browned oxtail back into the pot. Make sure pieces are mostly covered with the liquid mixture.
Slow Cook the Oxtail
- Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Meat should become very tender and soft.
Thicken the Sauce
- If needed, mix flour with a little water and add to the pot. Cook for few minutes until sauce thickens.
Serve Hot
- Remove bay leaf and serve oxtail hot. Enjoy with rice, mashed potatoes or fresh bread.
Notes
- Brown meat well for deeper flavor
- Use red wine instead of some broth for richness
- Add potatoes for a complete meal
- Cook in slow cooker for easier method
- Skim extra fat from top before serving
- Add chili flakes for slight heat
- Use fresh herbs for better aroma
FAQs about Paula Deen Braised Oxtail
1. Why is my oxtail tough after cooking?
It may not have cooked long enough. Oxtail needs slow cooking to become tender. Keep cooking until meat becomes soft and easy to pull.
2. Can I cook oxtail in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can use a pressure cooker. It reduces cooking time and still makes the meat tender and flavorful.
3. Can I make this recipe without tomato sauce?
Yes, you can skip tomato sauce and use more broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
4. How do I reduce fat in oxtail dish?
You can chill the dish and remove hardened fat from top. This makes it lighter and healthier.
5. What sides go best with braised oxtail?
Rice, mashed potatoes or bread work best. They soak up the sauce and complete the meal nicely.
Conclusion
This Paula Deen Braised Oxtail Recipe is rich, comforting and full of flavor. It is perfect for slow cooking lovers.
Now you know How to make Paula Deen Braised Oxtail using simple Ingredients for Paula Deen Braised Oxtail. Try it today and enjoy a hearty meal.
It is a dish your whole family will love.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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