Oxtail Bourguignon – A Hearty and Flavorful French Classic

Oxtail Bourguignon is a delicious twist on the classic French Beef Bourguignon. With tender oxtail, a rich red wine sauce, and aromatic herbs, this dish is the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. 🍷🥘

Slow-cooked to perfection, Oxtail Bourguignon has the deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture that will impress at any dinner party or family gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to wow your guests. Let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to make this exquisite dish at home! 😍

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Tender & Flavorful – Oxtail becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious after slow cooking.
✅ Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for cozy dinners, celebrations, or a fancy weekend meal.
✅ Rich, Hearty Sauce – The red wine and herb-infused broth creates a rich, savory sauce.
✅ Impressive Dish – Even though it’s simple to prepare, Oxtail Bourguignon looks and tastes gourmet!
✅ Comfort Food at Its Best – Hearty, filling, and satisfying with every bite. 😋

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the key ingredients to make this mouthwatering Oxtail Bourguignon:

🍖 For the Oxtail:

• 2 pounds of oxtail, cut into pieces 🐄
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil for browning 🧑‍🍳
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂

🍷 For the Red Wine Sauce:

• 2 cups of dry red wine (such as Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon) 🍇
• 1 cup of beef broth (you can use chicken broth as a substitute) 🐄
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste 🍅
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
• 2 carrots, chopped 🥕
• 2 tablespoons of flour (optional, to thicken the sauce)
• 1 bay leaf 🍃
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 🌿
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary 🌱
• 1 teaspoon of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

🧅 For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup of pearl onions, peeled 🧅
• 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced 🍄
• 1 tablespoon of butter 🧈

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

• Red Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with more beef broth or use a non-alcoholic red wine.
• Oxtail: If you can’t find oxtail, you can substitute with beef shanks or short ribs for a similar rich flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are a must for this recipe, but you can experiment with others like sage or tarragon for added complexity.
• Vegetables: You can add potatoes, parsnips, or leeks for an even heartier dish.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Brown the Oxtail

1️⃣ Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Season the oxtail pieces generously with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Add the oxtail to the pot in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4️⃣ Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5️⃣ Remove the oxtail and set aside on a plate.

💡 Pro Tip: Browning the meat well is key to developing deep flavors. Don’t rush this step!

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🔥 Step 2: Make the Red Wine Sauce

1️⃣ In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots.
2️⃣ Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until softened.
3️⃣ Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Pour in the red wine and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5️⃣ Add the bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the oxtail back in.

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🔥 Step 3: Slow Cook the Oxtail

1️⃣ Return the browned oxtail pieces to the pot.
2️⃣ Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
3️⃣ Cover and let cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and the meat is starting to fall off the bone.

💡 Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, cook the oxtail in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for the same amount of time.

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🔥 Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

1️⃣ While the oxtail is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the pearl onions and mushrooms, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes, until golden and caramelized.
3️⃣ Set the cooked vegetables aside until the oxtail is ready.

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🔥 Step 5: Combine & Serve

1️⃣ Once the oxtail is done cooking, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2️⃣ If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix in 2 tablespoons of flour to the broth and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
3️⃣ Add the sautéed onions and mushrooms back into the pot, stirring to combine.
4️⃣ Return the oxtail to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
5️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles for a complete meal!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Oxtail Bourguignon is delicious all on its own, but here are some ideas for how to serve it:

🥖 With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
🥔 Over Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes complement the tender oxtail.
🍚 With Rice – The sauce soaks into the rice, creating a flavorful dish.
🍝 With Pasta – Serve over tagliatelle or egg noodles for a more Italian-inspired twist.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Oxtail Bourguignon also freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning.
• Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Oxtail Bourguignon actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it a day ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.

2️⃣ What Can I Use Instead of Oxtail?

If you can’t find oxtail, beef shanks or short ribs are good alternatives. They’ll give you a similar hearty flavor, though oxtail is known for its rich gelatinous texture.

3️⃣ How Do I Know When the Oxtail is Done?

The oxtail is done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. It should fall apart with a gentle tug.

4️⃣ Can I Make It in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! After browning the oxtail, transfer it to a slow cooker along with the wine, broth, and vegetables. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until tender.

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🍽️ Conclusion – A Must-Try Comfort Dish

Oxtail Bourguignon is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors and tender meat. 🥘 Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to indulge in a hearty meal, this dish won’t disappoint.

Slow-cooked to perfection, every bite of this French classic is a taste of heaven. Give it a try for your next dinner and enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors of Oxtail Bourguignon! 😍🔥