Savory French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Introduction

This Savory French Onion Pot Roast combines tender beef with rich caramelized onions and aromatic herbs for a comforting meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a delicious twist on classic pot roast that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

A deep bowl holds a rich French onion soup, featuring a dark brown broth filled with soft caramelized onion slices and chunks of tender browned beef. Sitting on top is a thick round slice of toasted bread layered with melted, golden-brown cheese that covers the bread entirely, with some cheese melting down the sides. A small sprig of green herbs rests gently on the cheese. In the upper right corner, a piece of crusty bread is angled as if about to be dipped into the soup. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it in the hot oil for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the roast and set it aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the thyme and rosemary, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  5. Step 5: Return the seared roast to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  6. Step 6: Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the roast is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  7. Step 7: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the roast once cooked and place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
  8. Step 8: Slice or shred the roast and serve it with the sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

  • For a deeper flavor, try using a combination of beef and veal broth instead of just beef broth.
  • If you don’t have red wine, substitute with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
  • Adding mushrooms with the onions can enhance the earthiness of the dish.
  • Try fresh herbs if available, but reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overpowering the roast.

Storage

Store any leftover roast and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve tenderness and flavor. You can also freeze the cooked roast and sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a bowl of French onion soup with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a rich dark brown broth with visible cooked onions soaked in it. Above the broth, there is a thick piece of toasted white bread with a crust that is a golden brown color. On top of the bread, there is a thick, melted layer of white cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly, with a few melted spots and a sprig of green herb (thyme) placed on it. A large silver spoon is partially submerged in the broth and is resting inside the bowl. A piece of bread is partly visible being held near the bowl. The bowl is white, set on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, other tougher cuts like brisket or bottom round work well for slow braising, but cooking times may vary slightly to achieve tenderness.

Do I have to use wine in the sauce?

No, the wine adds depth and acidity, but you can substitute with extra beef broth and a bit of vinegar or omit it altogether based on your preference.

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Savory French Onion Pot Roast Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Savory French Onion Pot Roast is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a tender beef chuck roast cooked slowly with caramelized onions, garlic, rich red wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs. This classic recipe delivers a deliciously moist and savory roast perfect for family dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef Roast

  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Onion and Aromatics

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid Ingredients and Seasonings

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Optional Thickener and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow roasting.
  2. Sear the Roast: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 4-5 minutes until well browned. Remove the roast and set aside.
  3. Caramelize Onions and Garlic: Add the sliced onions to the same pot and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for depth of flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in dried thyme and rosemary, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the sauce.
  5. Return Roast and Cook: Place the seared roast back into the pot, ensuring it is partially submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and transfer the pot to the preheated oven.
  6. Slow Roast: Cook for 3 to 4 hours until the roast is tender and easily shreds with a fork, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Thicken Sauce (Optional): Once cooked, remove the roast. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Mix flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry and whisk it into the sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
  8. Serve: Slice or shred the roast and serve it warm with the thickened sauce, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free meal, omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickener alternative.
  • Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the deep, savory flavor of this dish.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Serve this pot roast with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French Onion Pot Roast, Beef Chuck Roast Recipe, Slow Cooked Roast, Caramelized Onion Beef, Comfort Food, Oven Baked Roast

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