“Slow-Braised, Deeply Flavored: Chef Greer’s Oxtail Meat Pie”

There’s something magical about a dish that takes its time. This oxtail meat pie is just that — a labor of love that rewards you with fall-off-the-bone tenderness, deep, savory flavor, and a golden, flaky crust that’s impossible to resist.

Slow-braising the oxtails in a Dutch oven allows every layer of flavor to build — rich beef broth, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs come together in a sauce that’s nothing short of soulful. By the time it’s tucked into buttery pastry and baked to perfection, this pie becomes more than dinner; it’s comfort and elegance in one bite.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, elevate your Sunday meal, or simply treat yourself, this recipe takes the humble meat pie to Cajun-inspired heights. And trust me — once you taste it, you’ll understand why this dish has a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation.

I suppose you're here to learn how to craft this wonderful treat that you deserve. Keep scrolling to learn this recipe.

Braised Oxtails in a Dutch Oven

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3–3.5 hours

Total Time: ~4 hours

Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 3–4 lbs. oxtails, trimmed

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)

• 2 tbsp of unsalted butter

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp oregano

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 red bell peppers, diced

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp of brown sugar

• 1 cup red wine (optional)

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• 2 cups of mozzarella cheese

• 1 package of Pillsbury Puff Pastry sheets

• Optional: 1–2 fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers for a Cajun kick

Instructions

1. Prep and Sear

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (150°C).

2. Pat oxtails dry and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika

3. Coat oxtails in a light base of all-purpose flour before searing.

4. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

5. Sear oxtails in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Base

1. Green bell peppers, red bell peppers, and onion to the pot. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Deglaze with red wine (or broth), scraping up browned bits.

3. Braise

1. Return oxtails to the pot.

2. Add beef broth and thyme

3. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven.

4. Cook for 2.5–3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure liquid covers meat. Add more broth if needed.

Instructions:

1. Once oxtails are tender and almost falling off the bone, remove them from the pot.

2. Allow oxtails to cool before deboning

3. Debone cooled oxtails, set the deboned meat aside for later

4. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the brown sugar. Heat the mixture until the sugar loses its grainy texture. Add the cooled oxtail meat, sautéed onions, and peppers, then combine everything. Pour in 4 tablespoons of red wine and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.

5. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Shaping the Oxtail Meat Pie:

1. Start by unrolling the puff pastry sheets and cutting them to the desired size and weight.

2. For each meat pie, use 2-3 tablespoons of oxtail meat and 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese as filling.

3. Place the prepared meat pies in the freezer for 10-20 minutes to ensure the dough remains firm before frying.

4. Deep fry the meat pies until they achieve a golden-brown color, then serve and enjoy.

And there you have it — the ultimate oxtail meat pie: slow-braised, deeply flavored, and baked to a golden, flaky perfection. This recipe proves that comfort food can be elegant, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. If

you make this oxtail pie recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Tag me @ChefGreer on Instagram or TikTok and share your masterpiece — especially those perfect cross-section slices. For

more Cajun-inspired comfort recipes and creative twists on classic dishes, subscribe to The Cajun Complex. You’ll get exclusive recipes, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes stories delivered straight to your inbox. Because

great cooking isn’t just about feeding the body — it’s about creating moments worth savoring, one dish at a time.