Fall-off-the-bone tender oxtails slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy with vegetables and butter beans.

Oxtail Stew

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs oxtails, trimmed of excess fat
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or browning sauce (like Kitchen Bouquet)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 6-8 cups beef broth or water
• 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans (or broad beans), drained and rinsed
• 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season & Sear: Pat oxtails dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear oxtails in batches until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze & Combine: Stir in brown sugar/browning sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the seared oxtails back to the pot. Add thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and the whole Scotch bonnet (if using).
4. Simmer: Pour in enough beef broth or water to cover the oxtails. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
5. Finish: Remove the oxtail pieces from the pot temporarily. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the gravy. Remove thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and Scotch bonnet. If desired, thicken the gravy by simmering uncovered, or by mashing some cooked carrots into it, or using a cornstarch slurry.
6. Add Beans: Return the oxtails to the pot. Stir in the drained butter beans and heat through for 5-10 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve hot over Rice and Peas, garnished with chopped scallions.

What makes it special?*

Jamaican Oxtail Stew is the ultimate comfort food, known for its incredible richness and depth of flavor. The long, slow cooking process transforms the tough oxtail cut into meltingly tender meat, while the bones release collagen, creating a luscious, savory gravy. The addition of butter beans adds a creamy texture, making it a deeply satisfying and highly sought-after dish.