Instant Pot Oxtail Recipe

Oxtail is a delicacy enjoyed around the world. These tender, rich Instant Pot oxtails are cooked in a deeply flavorful sauce, a comforting, fall-apart meal made faster in the pressure cooker.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is fantastic. Oh my goodness, tender and delicious. I drained some of the fat off and made the best gravy ever- although the natural juices are so good you really don’t need gravy and over white rice…wow drop the 🎤. Thank you!!!”

Oxtail is one of the most comforting, deeply flavorful cuts of beef and the Instant Pot makes it far more approachable for home cooks. This Instant Pot oxtail recipe delivers rich, fall-apart tender meat in a fraction of the traditional cooking time, with bold savory flavor and a sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice or mashed vegetables. If you’ve been curious about cooking oxtail at home, this is a reliable, reader-tested place to start.

Other oxtail recipes that are a must try!

Slow Cooker Oxtails (Guaranteed Tenderness!)

Best Oxtail Soup Recipe

Slow Cooked Oven Braised Oxtails

What kind of meat is oxtail?

Oxtail is the culinary name for the tail of cattle. Back in the day, oxtail was specifically the tail of an ox. Today, it can be the tail of any cattle.

Oxtail used to be considered a throwaway cut of meat. Because it was inexpensive, oxtail was often referred to as food for the poor. Nowadays oxtail is one of the most expensive cuts and somewhat difficult to find. Keep in mind that half of its weight is bone and cartilages.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Oxtail – Many well-stocked grocery stores carry this cut of beef. If you can’t find it, head to your local butcher, Asian grocery store, or Caribbean market.
• Onion and garlic – For deep, savory flavors! Once they hit the slow cooker, your kitchen will smell amazing.
• Red wine – Wine will deglaze the pot and wake up the rendered beefy flavors. A dry red like Merlot, Cabernet, or Pinot Noir are all good options. For a wine-free and Whole30 version, use extra beef broth or coconut aminos instead.
• Tomato paste – This adds a sweet and tangy umami element to the dish while helping to thicken the sauce.
• Beef broth – This is your main slow cooking liquid. For a double dose of collagen, use homemade bone broth.
• Herbs – I like adding bay leaves, fresh thyme, and fresh oregano for savory, herbaceous flavor. For presentation purposes, this oxtail entree looks gorgeous garnished with fresh parsley. 

How long does it take to cook oxtail?

If cooking on stove top, an oxtail will take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to cook. In this slow cooker oxtail recipe we cook on high for 4 hours. You can also cook in the oven, slowly braised oxtails for about 3 and 1/2 hours. Using the instant pot method, the oxtail cooks in 50 minutes and the result is equally delicious.

What to serve oxtail with?

Similarly to stew meats, oxtail can be cooked with vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and served over fluffy rice, mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. However, different parts of the world have their own traditions to serve oxtail with.

As a Brazilian who grew up eating oxtail, and avid Jamaica traveler my favorite way to serve oxtail is over rice and green vegetables on the side.

Can I freeze this oxtail recipe?

Yes! I freeze a batch almost every time I make because (sadly -or not!) I’m the only one at my house that eats oxtail, so there is always plenty left. Transfer frozen oxtails to the fridge to allow it to naturally thaw.

Tips and tricks

💡The key to great oxtail is building flavor early and allowing enough time under pressure for the meat to fully tenderize. Don’t skip the browning step, it makes a big difference.

• To properly brown oxtails, the slow cooker (or pot) must be hot enough that the meat sizzles as soon as it’s placed inside. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes or until a light crust forms on the surface. Use tongs to turn the meat and repeat on all sides.
• If you have any celery or carrots, finely dice and saute them with the onion and garlic to add extra depth. 
• To thicken the red wine sauce, set your slow cooker to saute (or pour the liquid into a large saucepan) and bring it to a boil. Add a cornstarch or arrowroot slurry and cook, stirring often, until the liquid thickens into a rich sauce. 

Meat lovers find your favorite recipes here:

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Garlic Herbs Lamb Loin Chops

Eye of Round Roast (with gravy!)

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Filet Mignon in Mushroom Sauce