Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
overhead shot of cooked oxtails on top of mashed potatoes in a white bowl

Slow Cooker Oxtails

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Slow cooker oxtails is an easy and comforting recipe that’s packed with flavor. Oxtails are slow cooked until they’re falling apart tender in this low-carb, paleo & Whole30 compatible meal. Instructions to cook this oxtail recipe in the Instant Pot are also included.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 pounds oxtails
  • 15 ounces crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 6 ounces carrots, peeled & diced
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons salt (or more)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil (for Instant Pot only)

Instructions

Slow Cooker

  1.  Add oxtails to the slow cooker. Add garlic, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the oxtails are evenly coated on all sides.
  2. Add the carrots and onion on top of the oxtails. Pour the crushed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar on top of all the food.
  3. Cook HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8.

Instant Pot

  1. In a large bowl add the oxtails, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the oxtails are evenly coated on all sides.
  2. Turn on the pressure cooker and select sauté. Once hot,  add oil and the seasoned oxtails to the pot. Cook 2-4 minutes on each side or on until oxtails are evenly browned. You may have to do this in batches. Remove oxtails and set aside.
  3. Add more oil if needed. Add carrots  and onions. Cook 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Add garlic & cook an additional minute. Turn off the pressure cooker.
  4. Pour in balsamic vinegar & deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker by scraping all the bits off with a wooden spoon. Add oxtails back to the pressure cooker. Pour tomatoes on top.
  5. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure for 40-50 minutes. When  cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release the pressure before opening.
  • Author: Shannon Epstein
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours