Looking for a hearty weeknight dinner idea? Try this easy savory oxtail pot pie with a homemade mac and cheese crust, perfect for a quick family favorite meal, save for later

Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the tender, fall-off-the-bone richness of oxtail with the comforting, creamy indulgence of mac and cheese, all wrapped up in a single, satisfying package. The Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust is a creative twist on traditional comfort food, using everyday ingredients to create a truly impressive meal. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and creativity, making it perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with the family. With its accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of oxtail, mac and cheese, and a variety of spices creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile that’s easy to achieve with commonly found ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this pot pie is relatively simple to prepare, with a straightforward cooking process that requires minimal specialized equipment.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The mac and cheese crust adds a fun and creative twist to the traditional pot pie, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties without requiring hours of laborious preparation.

Key Ingredients

The Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its unique flavor and texture. These include oxtail, which provides the rich, meaty base of the dish; macaroni and cheese, which forms the creamy, indulgent crust; and a variety of aromatics and spices, which add depth and complexity to the filling. For the oxtail, you can substitute beef short ribs or lamb shanks if preferred, while the mac and cheese can be made with a variety of cheeses and pasta shapes to suit your taste. Other essential ingredients include onions, carrots, celery, and a rich, flavorful broth.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients: chop the onions, carrots, and celery, and season the oxtail with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Brown the oxtail on all sides, then remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the chopped aromatics to the pot and cook until they’re softened and fragrant, then add a sprinkle of flour to thicken the filling.
3. Step 3: Add the broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the oxtail to the pot, cover it, and transfer it to the oven to braise until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. While the oxtail is cooking, prepare the mac and cheese crust by combining the cooked macaroni with a mixture of cheese, cream, and spices, and transferring it to a baking dish.
4. Step 4: To assemble the pot pie, spoon the braised oxtail and its rich, flavorful sauce into a baking dish, then top it with the mac and cheese crust. Bake the pie in a hot oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly, then remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Handy Tips

• To ensure the mac and cheese crust sets properly, make sure the macaroni is cooked until it’s al dente, and don’t overmix the cheese sauce. You can also add some grated Parmesan or cheddar to the crust for extra flavor and texture.
• If you’re short on time, you can braise the oxtail in a slow cooker or Instant Pot instead of the oven. Just brown the meat and cook the aromatics in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook until the meat is tender.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add some diced vegetables (such as peas and carrots or diced bell peppers) to the filling, or serve the pot pie with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Heat Control

The key to a successful Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust is controlling the heat to ensure the filling is hot and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. To achieve this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and steaming. You can also broil the pie for an extra 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, caramelized crust.

Crunch Factor

The mac and cheese crust is a key component of the Savory Oxtail Pot Pie, providing a satisfying crunch and texture contrast to the rich, tender filling. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure the macaroni is cooked until it’s al dente, and don’t overmix the cheese sauce. You can also add some grated Parmesan or cheddar to the crust for extra flavor and texture. If you want an extra crispy crust, you can broil the pie for an extra 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crunchy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To add extra flavor to the filling, you can brown the oxtail and cook the aromatics in a mixture of oil and butter, which will add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
• To make the mac and cheese crust more efficient, you can cook the macaroni and prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time, then assemble the crust just before baking.
• To clean up quickly and easily, make sure to wipe down the counters and sink area as you go, and wash any utensils and equipment in hot soapy water. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to braise the oxtail, which will make cleanup a breeze.

Storage Tips

• To store leftovers, let the pot pie cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
• To reheat the pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), then cover the pie with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also reheat the pie in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the crust.
• To keep the pie fresh for a longer period, make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep it away from strong-smelling foods, which can transfer their odors to the pie.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give the Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust as a gift, you can package it in a variety of creative ways. One idea is to transfer the pie to a decorative baking dish or ceramic pie plate, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie with a ribbon. You can also add a few garnishes, such as fresh herbs or edible flowers, to make the pie more visually appealing. Another idea is to package the pie in a gift basket or container, along with some crusty bread or a side salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: You can add a variety of spices to the filling to give it extra flavor, such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder. You can also add some dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to give the pie a more savory flavor.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: You can top the pie with a variety of creative toppings, such as crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables. You can also add some grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream to give the pie extra flavor and texture.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: You can swap out the oxtail for other meats, such as beef short ribs or lamb shanks, or use a combination of meats for added flavor and texture. You can also use different types of pasta or cheese in the mac and cheese crust to give it extra flavor and variety.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the filling is too dry, you can add a little more broth or cream to moisten it. If the crust is too crunchy, you can broil the pie for a shorter amount of time, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have oxtail, you can substitute it with other meats, such as beef short ribs or lamb shanks. If you don’t have macaroni, you can use other types of pasta, such as shells or elbows.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the filling is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. If the crust is undercooked, it will be pale and soggy. To avoid these problems, make sure to check the pie regularly as it cooks, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust for up to 2 months. Just let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze. To reheat, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in the oven until the filling is hot and bubbly.
• Is it gluten-free? No, the Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat pasta and flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the pasta with gluten-free pasta and using gluten-free flour in the crust.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger pie. Just multiply all the ingredients by two, and adjust the cooking time as needed. Keep in mind that a larger pie may take longer to cook, so make sure to check it regularly to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

The Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust is a creative and delicious twist on traditional comfort food, using everyday ingredients to create a truly impressive meal. With its rich, tender filling and crispy, golden crust, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy night in with the family, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal routine. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the process of making this delicious Savory Oxtail Pot Pie with Mac and Cheese Crust!