Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Caribbean Oxtail Stew. This dish is a celebration of rich flavors, tender meat, and a medley of vegetables, making it the ultimate comfort food. Imagine a hearty soup that not only fills your belly but also transports you to the vibrant Caribbean islands with each spoonful. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
In this recipe, we blend traditional Caribbean spices with slow-cooked oxtail, resulting in a stew that is rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. The aroma that fills your kitchen while this dish simmers is simply irresistible, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
The Best Caribbean Oxtail Stew

This Caribbean Oxtail Stew is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender oxtail, simmered to perfection with a mix of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. The result is a rich, flavorful stew that’s perfect served over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds oxtail, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Oxtail: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail pieces and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, allspice, and bay leaf, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned oxtail to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Simmer: Let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and the meat falls off the bone. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if necessary.
- Season and Serve: Once tender, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy with rice or bread.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 12g