If you are looking for a delicious and flavorful dish to impress your family and friends, look no further than the best easy Cuban oxtail recipe slow cooker. Oxtail is a rich and tender meat that is perfect for slow cooking, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a mouthwatering dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a traditional Cuban oxtail recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

To begin, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 pounds of oxtail
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can of tomato sauce
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 tablespoon of cumin
– 1 tablespoon of oregano
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste

To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the oxtail from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker.

Next, add the browned oxtail to the slow cooker, along with the tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high heat for 4-6 hours. The longer you cook the oxtail, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

Once the oxtail is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter. Serve the oxtail with the sauce and vegetables from the slow cooker, along with your choice of sides such as rice or mashed potatoes.

Now, let’s move on to some commonly asked questions about this delicious Cuban oxtail recipe:

Q1. Can I use a different cut of meat instead of oxtail?
A1. While oxtail is traditional for this recipe, you can use beef stew meat as a substitute if you prefer.

Q2. Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
A2. Absolutely! Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture.

Q3. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
A3. Yes, you can simmer the oxtail on low heat on the stovetop for 3-4 hours until tender.

Q4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
A4. Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q5. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A5. Yes, you can use dried cumin and oregano if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand. Just reduce the quantities to 1 teaspoon each.

Q6. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
A6. While beef broth provides a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth as a substitute if desired.

Q7. Can I add spice to the recipe?
A7. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.

Q8. Can I make this recipe in advance?
A8. Yes, this recipe can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors will actually intensify overnight.

Q9. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
A9. Yes, you can braise the oxtail in a Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours until tender.

With this best easy Cuban oxtail recipe slow cooker, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that will transport you to the vibrant flavors of Cuba. Enjoy the tender oxtail, rich sauce, and aromatic vegetables as you savor every bite.