Beef Oxtail Stew: Rich Spanish Braised Classic with Sherry 2026

Beef oxtail stew is one of those cuts that rewards patience, and this Spanish version braises it slowly with red wine, carrots, leek and fresh herbs until the meat practically falls apart. The long, gentle cooking turns a humble, economical cut into a deeply savory main course that feels special enough for a weekend table.

Our favorite way to prepare oxtail is stewed like this, with red wine and vegetables, and the result is truly wonderful. It is even better made the day before, so the meat rests in the sauce and all the flavors come together.

We like to leave the sauce a little chunky with bits of vegetables, but if you prefer a smoother sauce you can blend it completely. Any leftover sauce freezes beautifully and is delicious with meatballs, a plate of rice or cooked pasta.

Ingredients for Beef Oxtail Stew

This makes 4 generous servings.

• 1 kg beef oxtail, cut into pieces
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 100 g onions
• 200 g carrots
• 1 leek
• 125 g red tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 150 ml red wine

How to Make Beef Oxtail Stew Step by Step

1. Season and Flour the Meat

First, take the 1 kg of beef oxtail, season it with salt and ground black pepper, and then coat it in the 2 tablespoons of wheat flour.

2. Brown the Meat

Next, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a casserole dish and brown the meat over medium-high heat on both sides for about 10 minutes.

3. Chop the Vegetables

Meanwhile, chop the 100 g of onions, 200 g of carrots, 1 leek and 125 g of red tomatoes.

4. Add the Vegetables and Herbs

Add the vegetables to the casserole with the meat along with the 1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs of rosemary and 2 sprigs of thyme. Stir and cook the whole mixture for 30 minutes over low heat.

5. Pour in the Wine

After this time, pour the 150 ml of red wine into the casserole, almost covering the meat. If it is not enough, you can add water until it is. Ideally, use a pot in which the meat fits almost snugly.

6. Cook for 4 Hours Over Low Heat

Cook the beef oxtail for 4 more hours over low heat, covered and stirring from time to time, until the meat is tender. If you see the liquid evaporating, turn the meat so it cooks well on both sides.

7. Blend the Sauce and Return It to the Pot

Remove the meat and blend the sauce, without the aromatic herbs. Return the meat and the sauce to the casserole and cook for 5 more minutes.

8. Serve

Serve the beef oxtail hot, spooned over with plenty of its rich sauce.

Tips for the Best Beef Oxtail Stew

Make It a Day Ahead

This dish is best prepared the day before, so the meat rests in the sauce and the flavors meld together. Reheat it gently the next day and it will taste even better.

Choose Your Sauce Texture

We do not blend the sauce completely because we like little pieces of vegetable in it, but if you prefer a finer sauce you can blend it fully. Leftover sauce freezes wonderfully and is delicious with meatballs, rice or cooked pasta.

Pick the Right Accompaniments

Serve this beef oxtail stew with french fries, mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. A salad on the side is also a good option.

30 Top Recipes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a balanced lineup ready to go: simple comfort dishes, well-known international plates, and desserts that make everyone happy.

On nights when I want something rich and indulgent, my picks tend to be this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I keep coming back to.

For quick breakfasts and lighter plates, these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe are a regular in my rotation, along with a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe and these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I like to prepare.

When tapas and Mediterranean flavors are calling, I move between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is also a favorite of mine to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, these are the ones I always point people toward: this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. And if I'm after something even heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Street food and party-style plates are another mood I cook for often, and that usually means this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another one I like to set out as a no-fuss appetizer or snack.

And when I'm building drinks and a full spread for company, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe works great on the side, and this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe makes a beautiful finish.

Additional Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of testing and fine-tuning recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the strongest dishes rely on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely keep coming back to—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something a little more special for friends and family.

On the dessert side, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I reach for when I want something elegant without much effort. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something fresh and unfussy is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heavier comfort food, I'm quick to suggest the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, among them the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is a category I turn to often too, since it saves time without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without any gluten.

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