Jamaican Oxtail Slow Cooker Recipe: Fall-off-the-bone Comfort in Every Bite

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
jamaican oxtail recipes slow cooker

Few dishes bring the warmth and depth of Caribbean cooking quite like Jamaican oxtail stew. Rich, hearty, and packed with bold spices, this dish has been a staple at Sunday dinners and family gatherings for generations. The slow cooker makes it even more approachable, letting time do the heavy lifting while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you have tender, melt-in-your-mouth oxtail bathed in a deep, savory gravy that pairs perfectly with rice and peas or steamed white rice. Whether you are new to Jamaican cooking or just looking for a reliable slow cooker version, these recipes will walk you through every step.

Easy Jamaican Oxtail Stew in the Slow Cooker

A bowl of slow cooker Jamaican oxtail stew with rich brown gravy and tender meat served over white rice

This easy take on Jamaican oxtail stew is designed for home cooks who want authentic flavor without spending hours standing over the stove. After a quick browning on the stovetop to build that deep, caramelized crust, everything goes into the slow cooker and simmers low and slow until the meat practically falls off the bone. Scotch bonnet pepper, allspice, and fresh thyme give this stew its unmistakable Jamaican character, while broad beans add a satisfying heartiness to the gravy.

  1. Season the oxtail generously with browning sauce, soy sauce, allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight the refrigerator for best results.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the oxtail pieces on all sides until deeply browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  3. Transfer the browned oxtail to the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and the scotch bonnet pepper on top of the meat.
  4. Pour the beef broth over everything. Cover cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the oxtail is very tender.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the drained broad beans and green onions. Stir gently and continue cooking uncovered on high to allowvy to thicken slightlyRemove the scotch bonnet pepper and thyme sprigs before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over white rice or rice peas.

Jamaican Oxtail Recipe in the Slow Cooker

Close-up of slow cooker beans in a thick, glossy brown gravy

This version of Jamaican oxtail in the slow cooker leans into a slightlyicker, more concentratedvy with a few extra aromatics that layer beautifully over the long cook time. It is gluten-free friendly approach that does not compromise on the bold, spiced depth you expect from a proper Jamaican stew. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, fresh ginger, and green seasoning gives this recipe uniquely fragrant profile that fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma as cooks.

  1. Combine oxtail with Worcestershire sauce, browning sauce, allspice, dried thyme, grated ginger, half the garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over high heat. Brown the marinated oxtail on all sides until dark crust forms. This step is key to developing a, complexvy, so take time and do not rush itPlace green onion, remaining garlic, and tomato paste into the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the seared oxtail on top.
  3. Add the whole scotch bonnet pepper and pour the beef broth around the sides of the meat. Cover and cook on low for 9 to 10 hours until the oxtail is completely tender and nearly falling off the bone.
  4. Stir in the butter beans during the last 45 minutes of cooking. Leave lid slightly ajar to helpvy reduce and thicken toy consistency.
  5. Discard the scotch bonnet pepper. Taste the gravy and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot alongsideamed ricefried plantains, or Jamaican hard dough bread.