Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails are a down-home favorite that brings smoky, tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness right to your dinner table. This classic recipe combines simple ingredients with time-honored Mennonite cooking techniques, yielding Beef tails that are crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside.
Ready in under two hours, this dish answers your craving for a flavorful, authentic, and budget-friendly meal. Grab your apron—let’s dive into how to make the best Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails at home!
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What is Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails?
Ever wondered why we’re calling tails “the jewel of the swine world”? Have you ever raised an eyebrow at a dish named after a tail? Well, grab a seat and a napkin, because these Beef tails are about to win your heart (and stomach).
Our Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails recipe earned its cheeky name from generations past when every part of the animal was used, and ingenuity was the secret spice of life. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and nothing delivers on that promise like crackly, seasoned Beef tails straight from the oven. So, why are they called this? Legend has it that a grandmother once joked they looked like little Beef , and the name stuck. Ready for a taste of history with a side of laughter? Let’s roast some tails and make your taste buds sing ,give it a try today!
Key Ingredients for Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails

- 2 lbs Beef tails, cleaned and trimmed (look for “cooked Beef tails” or ask your butcher for fresh ones)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Special Preparation: Rinse Beef tails under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If you’re craving a twist on our classic, try testing out “oven baked BBQ Beef tails” or “fried Beef tails” next time!
How to Make Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails
This Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails recipe is surprisingly simple yet bursting with satisfying, crispy texture and rich, savory flavor.
With minimal prep and about 1 hour 30 minutes oven time, you’ll serve up a dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad, these tails are your ticket to comfort food heaven.
Preparation time: 15 minutes • Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes • Servings: 4-6
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Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A down-home favorite, these Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails are smoky, crispy, and irresistibly tender—perfect for an authentic, budget-friendly meal packed with tradition and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef tails, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a roasting pan with foil.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Toss Beef tails in the mixture to coat evenly.
- Place Beef tails in a single layer on the prepared pan. Roast for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Remove pan, brush tails with glaze, and roast for another 30–35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Trim tails to even sizes and pat dry for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan and check for doneness at 145°F internal temp. Try flavor swaps like chili powder or parmesan for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Mennonite
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Why You’ll Love This Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails
- Highlight of the Dish: Picture smoky, crispy edges yielding to a juicy, gelatin-rich interior. These Beef tails boast a caramelized crust that crackles with every bite, making each mouthful more satisfying than the last.
- Cost-Saving Benefits: Beef tails are an economical cut that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the upscale price tag. Stretch your grocery dollars by turning an undervalued cut into a star entrée for family and friends.
- Flavorful Toppings & Ingredients: A buttery garlic-herb rub, a drizzle of tangy apple cider glaze, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley transform these tails into a gourmet delight.
Not sure if Beef tails seem a bit adventurous? If you’ve enjoyed our Mennonite Cabbage Potato Kielbasa Bake or our Mennonite Farmer Sausage Soup, you’re in for a treat! Every recipe at Old Plain Recipes is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Ready to save money and taste like a chef? Let’s get cooking!
Top Tips for Perfecting Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails

- Even Sizing: Trim tails to a similar size so they cook uniformly.
- Dry Surface: Pat dry thoroughly; excess moisture hinders crisping.
- Flavor Variations: Swap smoked paprika for chili powder for a spicy kick, or sprinkle grated parmesan in the last 5 minutes.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give each tail room to roast; crowded pans steam instead of crisp.
- Check Doneness: The ideal internal temp is 145°F (63°C) with a moment of rest for carryover cooking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until crisply warmed. Microwave only for quick meals, but expect softer skin.
FAQs
Is Beef tail healthy to eat?
Beef tails are rich in collagen and protein but also high in fat. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why do farmers curl Beef tails?
Historically, tails were docked to prevent injuries and infections in close confinement. Curled natural tails can also indicate healthier, less stressed animals.
What meat is Beef tail?
Beef tail is the tail end of the Beef , consisting of skin, fat, connective tissue, and a bit of meat, prized for its gelatinous texture.
What does the tail of a Beef mean?
In farming lore, a straight tail often signaled poor health or stress, while a curled tail suggested a happy, healthy animal.
Hungry for More Mennonite Comfort Food?
If you loved these roasted Beef tails, you’re in for a treat! Check out more beloved Mennonite classics from our kitchen to yours:
- 🍞 Mennonite Paska Recipe – A sweet, fluffy Easter bread tradition.
- 🍩 Mennonite New Year’s Cookies – Deep-fried dough balls with raisins? Yes, please.
- 🍞 Mennonite Easter Bread Recipe – Soft, buttery, and perfect with coffee.
- 🥟 Mennonite Fleisch Perishke Recipe – Savory meat-filled buns that melt in your mouth.
- 🥧 Mennonite Funny Cake Pie – Cake and pie in one? You’ve got to try it.
- 🍲 Mennonite Hamburger Soup – Hearty, simple, and full of love.
Craving more homestyle recipes, Mennonite traditions, and kitchen inspiration?
🍽️ Happy cooking, and may your meals always be made with love!
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