If comfort food had a crown, this bowl would wear it
Rich, slow-braised oxtail, tender and falling off the bone, layered over creamy mac and cheese, buttery cornbread, sautéed greens, and finished with a glossy, savory gravy. Every bite is deep, soulful, and packed with bold flavor — the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
Description
This Oxtail Soul Bowl is the ultimate Southern comfort dish. Slow-cooked oxtail is simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender in a rich, seasoned gravy. It’s layered over creamy macaroni and cheese, sweet cornbread, and perfectly seasoned greens, then topped with extra gravy and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and completely satisfying — perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Oxtail:
2 lbs oxtail, cleaned
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp flour (for thickening gravy)
For the Mac & Cheese:
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
Salt to taste
For the Greens:
2 cups collard greens or spinach
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Layer:
Prepared cornbread (cut to fit the bowl)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Oxtail
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Season oxtail with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
Sear oxtail on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2.5–3 hours until oxtail is tender.
Remove oxtail pieces. Stir flour into the gravy and simmer until thickened. Return oxtail to the pot.
2️⃣ Prepare the Mac & Cheese
Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
In a saucepan, melt butter and add milk.
Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Add macaroni and mix well. Season with salt.
3️⃣ Cook the Greens
Heat olive oil in a skillet.
Add garlic and sauté briefly.
Add greens and cook until wilted and tender.
Season with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Assemble the Soul Bowl
Place a layer of cornbread at the bottom of a bowl.
Add a generous layer of mac and cheese.
Spoon sautéed greens on one side.
Top with tender oxtail.
Drizzle rich gravy over everything.
Sprinkle extra cheese if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy every soulful bite!
This bowl isn’t just food — it’s comfort, tradition, and flavor all in one.