Authentic Southern Oxtails Recipe – Tender & Flavorful Soul Food Classic

Last Updated on August 22, 2025 by Barbara

If you are looking for a Soul Food Oxtails Recipe that is tender, flavorful and full of soul then you are in the right place. Oxtails are a traditional soul food dish that is truly a favorite for many. Making my oxtails fall off the bone tender has taken me years to perfect. I This recipe is surprising easy to make and yields the most tender meat you can find.

This Southern classic dish pairs well with collard greens, cornbread and dirty rice. In this post, I will share the step-by-step process to this soul food classic that will become a family favorite. As someone who has spent more than a decade sharing authentic soul food recipes, I can guarantee this oxtail recipe delivers on both flavor and tradition.

So let’s get the ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the best Southern comfort food meals you’ll ever make.

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How to Make The Best Southern Oxtails

Oxtails have long been a beloved dish in Southern and African American kitchens, known for transforming humble cuts into rich, flavorful meals. The secret to what makes these oxtails so delicious depends on a few factors.

• The Oxtails: Oxtails are high in protein and rich in iron. Using high quality meat will always give you the best and tastiest outcome.
• The Seasoning: Use seasoning that will enhance the flavor of your oxtails. For this Southern oxtail recipe I use garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt and black pepper. These seasoning provide a balanced flavor that will make your oxtails taste supreme.
• Slow Cooking: Whether you are preparing them stove top or in a slow cooker, ensure that your oxtails cook on medium to low heat for 3 1/2 – 4 hours. Allowing your oxtails to cook slowly will yield tender, delicious meat.

Watch Me Make The Best Oxtails Recipe

Ingredients You Will Need for Southern Oxtails

• Oxtails – The Oxtails are the main ingredient. It give rich flavor and a delicious meaty taste.
• Onion – Onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish as it softens and melds with the other flavors.
• Garlic – Enhances the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the meat.
• Carrot – Brings a touch of sweetness and softens during cooking to balance the savory elements.
• Beef Broth – Serves as the flavorful liquid base, enriching the dish with a meaty depth.
• Water – Helps control the thickness of the sauce and ensures the oxtails stay tender during cooking.
• Browning – Adds a deep color and slight smokiness, giving the dish an appetizing, caramelized finish.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Provides a tangy, umami-rich complexity that enhances the flavor of the broth.
• Brown Sugar – Balances savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and aids in caramelization.
• Paprika – Adds mild warmth and a subtle smokiness to enhance the depth of the dish.
• Thyme – Imparts a fragrant, earthy note that complements the rich meat.
• Onion Powder – Boosts the onion flavor throughout the dish for a more consistent taste.
• Garlic Powder – Adds concentrated garlic flavor, enhancing the aromatic profile of the sauce.
• Salt – Elevates all the flavors in the dish and enhances the savory elements.
• Pepper – Adds a hint of heat and spice to balance the richness of the oxtails.

Substitutions and Pro Tips

• To enhance the flavor base you can add different veggies. Adding celery and bell pepper will compliment the flavor of your oxtails.
• Adding lima beans or potatoes can greatly enrich the flavors of your oxtails and make for a heartier meal.
• If time is a factor using a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker is a great alternative.

What You Will Need

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot
• Tongs

Step By Step Instructions for Southern Oxtails

Ensure your oxtails have been cleaned and dried before cooking.

Step 1: Preparing the Oxtails

Place the oxtails in a bowl then add the browning and Worcestershire sauce and mix until each piece has been well coated. Next sprinkle the oxtails with the salt and pepper and again mix until each piece has been well coated. The browning will give you oxtails that deep rich color we love.

Step 2: Saute the Vegetable

Place a Dutch Oven over a burner and using medium heat bring your pot to temperature. Melt the butter then add the onion, carrot and garlic. Saute your vegetables for 3 minutes.

Step 3:Add the Oxtails

Place the seasoned oxtails in the Dutch oven with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Stir to combine the spices with the meat and vegetables.

Step 4:

Add the beef broth and water then bring to a light simmer. Add the brown sugar then cover the Dutch oven and allow it to cook on medium-low for 3-1/2-4 hours.

What to Eat With Oxtails

Oxtails pair well with a variety of sides, from hearty starches like dirty rice and roasted potatoes to traditional soul food sides like fried cabbage and collard greens. The key is to balance the richness of the delicious oxtails with complementary textures and flavors. Adding a side of cornbreadWith these pairings, your oxtail dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner!

What to Do With Leftovers

Oxtails can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure your oxtails have been completely cooled before store them in an airtight container and placing them in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze your oxtails, place them in a freezer safe container. It is helpful to label and date them to keep track. Oxtails can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Other Great Recipes

• Southern Slow Cooked Oxtails – Delicious, tender and slow cooked oxtails.
• The South’s Most Iconic Recipes– Southern recipes that are comforting and oh so good.
• Cranberry Sauce Recipe – made with orange marmalade and a great condiment to your holiday meal.

Frequently Asked Questions