Slow Cooker Oxtail with Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 3.5 lb Oxtail (The source indicates 3–4 lb; the range is retained in the note.)
• 1 packet Dry onion soup mix (1 oz; dry.)
• 2 cup Beef broth (The source offers water as an alternative.)
• Salt (Optional; to taste.)
• Black pepper (Optional; to taste.)
• Olive oil (Optional; a small amount for browning.)
• Fresh parsley (Optional; chopped, for garnish.)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Optional, for thickening the sauce.)
• 2 tbsp Cold water (Optional, for the cornstarch slurry.)

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the oxtail dry with paper towels. If desired, season lightly with salt and black pepper.

2. 2

   To brown the oxtail (optional, but recommended), heat a large skillet with a little olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. 3

   Brown the oxtail for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Transfer it to the slow cooker.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the oxtail.

5. 5

   Carefully pour the broth around the sides of the meat so the seasoning is not washed away. You can also use water instead of broth.

6. 6

   Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the meat is very tender and pulls away from the bone.

7. 7

   Carefully transfer the oxtail to a serving dish. If you are not thickening the sauce, skim the excess fat from the cooking juices with a spoon or fat separator.

8. 8

   For a thicker sauce, first skim the fat from the cooking juices. Mix the cornstarch with the cold water, then whisk the mixture into the juices in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.

9. 9

   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. You can serve the dish with mashed potatoes, polenta, egg noodles, or steamed white rice.

Notes

The source indicates 4–6 servings. The approximate total time of 10 h 10 min corresponds to cooking on LOW; on HIGH, the source indicates 5–6 hours. It also suggests serving with mashed potatoes, polenta, egg noodles, or white rice.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• beef
• slow cooker
• slow cooking
• comfort food
• gluten-free