Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac & Cheese Crust Recipe

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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac & Cheese Crust Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary repertoire. This incredible comfort food brings together tender, slow-cooked oxtail bursting with rich, savory flavor, all lovingly nestled beneath a luscious, cheesy mac and cheese crust. It’s a mouthwatering twist on classic pot pie that will make every bite an unforgettable experience, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but vital in creating the perfect blend of hearty, savory, and creamy textures that make this dish sing. Each element—from the richness of the oxtail to the creamy cheese sauce—plays a crucial role in building this masterpiece.

• 2 lbs oxtail, trimmed and cut: Provides the lovely, melt-in-your-mouth meat base that’s rich and full of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the oxtail and sautéing vegetables to deepen the flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fragrant aromatics into the filling.
• 1 large carrot, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Enhances the savory base with earthy notes.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Boosts the umami and adds rich color.
• 2 cups beef broth: Acts as the flavorful simmering liquid for the oxtail.
• 1 cup red wine (optional): Adds a lovely depth and complexity, but can be skipped.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes into the filling.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Compliments the meat with gentle earthy fragrance.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings a piney, fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• 1/4 cup flour: Used to thicken the filling into a luscious sauce.
• 2 cups elbow macaroni: The foundation of the mac and cheese crust, perfectly tender and holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For a rich, silky roux in the cheese sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce smoothly.
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings the sharp, cheesy flavor essential to mac and cheese.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth of the cheese sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances umami.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Perfectly seasons the cheese crust.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): Gives a delightful crunch to finish off the crust.

How to Make Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac & Cheese Crust Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Oxtail

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail pieces on all sides until they develop a beautiful deep color, around 5 to 7 minutes. This searing locks in the flavor and creates a rich base for your filling. Once browned, set the oxtail aside for the next steps.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them cook gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until everything softens and releases its sweetness. This vegetable mix creates the aromatic heart of your pot pie filling, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Building the Sauce Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to intensify its flavor. Then sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables, stirring constantly to form a roux, which will thicken your filling delightfully. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Adding Liquids and Herbs

Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add the optional red wine for that extra layer of complexity, plus bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary to infuse the filling with herbal warmth. Return the browned oxtail to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Slow Cooking the Oxtail

Cover the pot and let the oxtail cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking transforms the meat until it’s tender and falling off the bone, soaking in all those elevated flavors to make the filling irresistibly rich.

Step 6: Preparing the Filling

Once the oxtail is perfectly tender, remove the meat from the pot, discard the bones, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning. This shredded oxtail filling will be the luscious, meaty layer inside your pot pie.

Step 7: Making the Mac and Cheese Crust

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, create a roux by melting butter in a separate saucepan and stirring in flour for a minute or two. Whisk in the milk, cooking until the sauce thickens to creamy perfection. Off the heat, stir in sharp cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning to create the creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. Fold in the cooked pasta, making sure every bite is gloriously cheesy.

Step 8: Assembling and Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the shredded oxtail filling into your chosen pie dish evenly, then top with the cheesy macaroni mixture, pressing gently to cover the surface fully. For a satisfying crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the popcorn crust if you like. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool briefly before serving up this soul-warming delight.

How to Serve Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac & Cheese Crust Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a burst of color and a fresh bite that beautifully contrasts the richness of the dish. For an extra pop of texture, a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate it perfectly.

Side Dishes

This pot pie is quite hearty on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables balances the meal nicely. Simple steamed greens like broccoli or sautéed kale provide freshness and lighten the plate, letting the main attraction shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this pot pie in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—each person gets their personal golden mac and cheese crust delight. You could also transform leftovers into hand pies by wrapping filling in puff pastry circles for a portable, impressive snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac & Cheese Crust Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Assemble the pot pie but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time until the crust is bubbly and golden.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the pot pie loosely and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This helps preserve the crispy mac and cheese crust better than microwaving, which can make it soggy.

FAQs

Can I use beef stew meat instead of oxtail?

Absolutely! While oxtail offers a uniquely rich flavor and gelatinous texture, beef stew meat can be a practical substitute that still yields a comforting pot pie.

Is the red wine necessary?

The red wine adds a wonderful depth and richness, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can simply omit it without sacrificing too much flavor by increasing the beef broth slightly.

What pasta works best for the mac and cheese crust?

Elbow macaroni is classic for mac and cheese due to its shape and ability to hold sauce, but you can use small shells or cavatappi as well for a fun texture change.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

This specific recipe relies heavily on oxtail for its signature flavor, so it’s not suited for vegetarians. However, you could experiment with mushroom or lentil fillings as a savory alternative under the mac and cheese crust.

How do I get the mac and cheese crust crispy?

Sprinkling breadcrumbs on top before baking and baking uncovered at the right temperature helps achieve a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac & Cheese Crust Recipe. It’s a dish that combines love, patience, and bold flavors into one unforgettable experience that brings comfort and joy to the table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it at home—you’ll find it becomes a cherished favorite, guaranteed to impress your family and friends while warming hearts and bellies alike.

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