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If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this dish has everything: melt-in-your-mouth oxtail stew, buttery rice to soak up that savory gravy, and a side of ultra-creamy mac and cheese. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and made for indulgent Sundays or special gatherings when only a feast will do.

This recipe brings slow-braised flavor and homestyle comfort straight to your plate—with just the right balance of richness and warmth in every bite.

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Ingredients

For the Braised Oxtail Stew:

• 2 lbs oxtails, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

For the Buttered Rice:

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp butter
• Pinch of salt

For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Oxtail Stew:

1. Sear the Oxtail: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides to build flavor. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Base: In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Return oxtails to the pot. Pour in beef broth and red wine. Add bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Slow Braise: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2½ to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
5. Thicken (Optional): For a richer, thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes.

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2️⃣ Make the Buttered Rice:

1. In a small pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Stir in rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.

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3️⃣ Prepare the Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and melty.
5. Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Serve It Up

Spoon a generous portion of buttery rice onto your plate, ladle over that luscious braised oxtail stew with its rich, meaty gravy, and finish with a heaping side of creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like—and prepare for full-on comfort food bliss.

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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Serves: 4–6 hearty portions
Perfect For: Sunday dinner, holiday meals, or serious soul food cravings.

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