These Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtails are easy to make and served tender, juicy, and fall off the bone thanks to slow cooking. Pair these with mashed potatoes, carrots, and homemade gravy.
Oxtails are the ultimate comfort food! I love to toss in broth and carrots and let it cook long and slow like stew!
Table of Contents
What are Oxtails
Oxtails can be found throughout Southern and Jamaican cuisine as the consumption of the meat dates back to a time in which no part of the animal was left for waste. The cut comes from the tail of the cow after it is skinned. From there, it is cut into round sections
They have tons of gelatin, collagen, and nutrients. I love to save the leftover broth from oxtail recipes for bone broth! You will see the liquid gold that remains in the pot after you prepare these. Liquid gold simply refers to the gelatin and nutrients.
How Does it Taste?
Oxtails have a rich beef flavor. They are served tender and taste similar to short ribs or a tender and juicy pot roast, but much better.
Where to Buy Them/How to Pick and Shop for Them
I can grab oxtails from a local grocery store near my home, they typically specialize in selling cuts of meat like this. You may have to call around to find them. I've also noticed them in some Asian markets and even Walmart. The price per pound is often on the expensive side. I usually see them for $10-12 per pound.
Always look for meatier pieces while shopping. You can often find it sold in sections. There's only one tail on the cow, which results in a thin side vs a thick side. In general oxtail doesn't have a ton of meat.
How to Season and Add Flavor
There are so many ways to season these. Feel free to use any of your favorite beef rubs. I have two favorite methods.
One is with Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
The other is Jamaican Style using my Homemade Jerk Seasoning and Rub.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtails
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pour broth into the slow cooker and add onions and carrots.
- Season all sides of the oxtail with spices.
- Placed the seasoned oxtails in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook.
- Remove from the slow cooker and serve with the carrots and onions.
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Cook Time/How Long to Cook
You will want to cook these long and slow. I prefer to cook these on Low for 8-10 hours because I like really tender meat.
You can cook them on High for 4-6 hours, but they aren't as tender. (With how pricey these are, I would rather wait for the best results!).
How to Smother Them in Gravy
Save the broth from the pot once these have finished cooking! It's great for gravy and for beef broth to use a stock in other recipes like Lasagna Soup, Pizza Soup, and Sweet Potato Beef Chili.
Once you have your broth (I like to gather some of the cooked onions as well), you can use the same instructions and prep from my Turkey Gravy From Drippings recipe (substituting the oxtail broth for turkey drippings).
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored tightly sealed and covered for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed for up to a few months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Pair With These Recipes
Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
Grilled Asparagus
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans
Southern Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Make Ahead Crockpot Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo
If you're interested in a stovetop version of this recipe, check out our Tender Juicy Oxtail recipe.
Watch step by step instructions on how to make this recipe here on Youtube.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtails
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds raw oxtails
- 2-3 cups broth Any broth: beef, chicken vegetable, etc. See notes.
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced
- ½ cup sliced onions I used white onions.
- 3 cups sliced carrots
Option 1 Southern Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika will work.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke Optional for flavor.
Option 2 Jamaican Seasoning
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Pour the broth into the slow cooker and add the onions, garlic, and carrots.
- Season all sides of the oxtail with the spices.
- Placed the seasoned oxtails in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook for 8-10 hours on Low (preferred method) or 4-6 hours on High.
- Remove from the slow cooker and serve with the carrots and onions.
Instant Pot
- Add the broth, onions, garlic, and carrots to the Instant Pot. You will only need 1 cup of broth for this method.
- Season all sides of the oxtail with the spices and add them to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook for 60 minutes on Manual > Pressure Cooking. When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally. Do not quick release. Allow the pin to drop on its own. Quick release will result in tough meat. This typically takes 20 minutes or more.
- Open the pot and serve with the carrots and onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Emily says
Love ox tails but haven’t ever made them at home. Brandi’s recipe came together in 5 minutes and is so flavorful!
staysnatched says
Can't beat 5 minutes!
Ashley says
Made the instant pot version tonight and it was amazing! The meat came out so tender and perfect. Subbed the Tony’s with Slap Ya Mama and it was delicious!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Brenda Valencia says
Delicious recipe! It was so quick and easy,
set and forget. I cooked on low, but it took about 11 hours for my oxtail to become tender. I hadn’t used this slow cooker in years, therefore I’m not sure if it’s just my cooker lol. I added more salt than I thought and it turned out delicious!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Sateria says
I made the instant pot version. I’ve been craving some oxtails but have never cooked them myself. This recipe was everything!! Another recipe to add to the rotation!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Lin J says
What can I use in place of the liquid smoke?
staysnatched says
Omit it if you don't want to use it.