1-Season and sear oxtails: Let’s walk through making braised oxtails, a recipe that’s as fun as it is fulfilling for any home cook. Start by preparing 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef oxtails: season them well with ragazzo salt and black pepper, then sear in your choice of cooking oil until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This step locks in those rich flavors that make the dish stand out.

2-Add veggies and liquids: Next, in the same pot, toss in 1 large finely diced red onion, 1 large finely diced carrot, and 6 cloves of crushed garlic, sautéing until they soften and release their aroma. Add 7.5 ounces of cola, 1 heaping tablespoon of onion or beef bouillon, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 teaspoons of instant coffee to the mix, stirring to combine and deglaze the pot. For more details on substitutions, check out our section on dietary substitutions to customize your braised oxtails, which offers great ideas for tweaks.

3-Simmer until tender: Pour in 2 cups of water and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook on the stove for 2.5 to 3 hours, or transfer to a slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours until the oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender. Once done, skim any excess fat from the gravy and serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that highlights the dish’s affordability and comforting nature.