Braised Oxtail with Golden Mac & Cheese Crust – When it comes to soul-warming, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, few dishes can compete with braised oxtail or mac & cheese—but what if we combined them? Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone braised oxtail topped with a golden, cheesy, baked mac & cheese crust. This dish is rich, indulgent, and packed with deep, slow-cooked flavors that will make you rethink everything you know about comfort food.
In this recipe, we’ll take succulent, slow-braised oxtail and layer it with creamy, cheesy mac & cheese, then bake it until the crust is crispy and golden. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion, Sunday dinner, or just because you deserve it, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Let’s get into it!
Why Braised Oxtail?
Oxtail is a highly underrated cut of beef that transforms into a rich, velvety masterpiece when slow-cooked. It’s loaded with marrow, collagen, and deep beefy flavor, making it ideal for braising. When simmered low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender, juicy, and full of umami goodness.
Pairing this with mac & cheese adds a creamy, cheesy, and crispy contrast that takes comfort food to the next level.
Braised Oxtail with Golden Mac & Cheese Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
For the Braised Oxtail:
- 3 lbs oxtail, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (or beef broth for non-alcoholic version)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mac & Cheese Crust:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Oxtail
- Season the oxtail generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the oxtail on all sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Remove the oxtail and set it aside.
Step 2: Build the Braising Base
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up all the flavorful bits. Let it reduce by half.
- Pour in the beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
Step 3: Slow Braise the Oxtail
- Return the seared oxtail to the pot.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Remove the oxtail from the pot, shred the meat, and discard the bones.
Step 4: Cook the Mac & Cheese
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, gouda, mustard, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked pasta, coating it evenly with the cheese sauce.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the shredded braised oxtail evenly in a baking dish.
- Top with the mac & cheese, spreading it over the oxtail layer.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for an extra crispy crust.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and hearty, so pair it with:
- A fresh green salad to balance the richness
- Garlic butter cornbread for extra indulgence
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or collard greens for a Southern twist
- A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✔ Flavor Explosion: The combination of slow-braised oxtail and creamy mac & cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
✔ Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish wows every time.
✔ Ultimate Texture Contrast: The crispy mac & cheese crust meets meltingly tender oxtail for the perfect bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can braise the oxtail a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight. Simply assemble and bake when ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of oxtail?
If you can’t find oxtail, you can use short ribs or beef shank as a substitute.
3. Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just swap the red wine for extra beef broth.
4. How do I get the crispiest mac & cheese crust?
For an extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.
5. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! Try a mix of cheddar, gouda, gruyère, or even smoked mozzarella for an extra depth of flavor.
If you’re a fan of slow-cooked meats and gooey, cheesy pasta, this Braised Oxtail with Golden Mac & Cheese Crust will become your new favorite indulgence. The rich, melt-in-your-mouth oxtail combined with the crispy, cheesy mac & cheese is a game-changer.
So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food fusion—you deserve it!
Let me know if you try it! 👇 Would you add extra spice or keep it classic?
