why make this recipe
Comforting French Onion Pot Roast is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of beef and caramelized onions with a hint of sweetness. It’s a perfect meal for cozy family dinners or special occasions. The slow cooking process transforms the chuck roast into a tender masterpiece, while the onions add depth and flavor. This pot roast not only warms you up, but it also fills your home with a delicious aroma that makes everyone look forward to dinner.
how to make Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients:
- 3 lb boneless chuck roast
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 lbs yellow onions (about 8 medium to large)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup red wine or extra beef stock
- 2 1/2 cups beef stock
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Directions:
- Start by seasoning the boneless chuck roast with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chuck roast and brown it on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced yellow onions and cook them until they are caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from burning.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle the maple syrup (or brown sugar) and flour over the onions and stir well to combine.
- Pour in the red wine (or extra beef stock) and let it simmer for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the beef stock, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Return the browned chuck roast to the pot, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is very tender.
- Once done, remove the roast from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
how to serve Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
Serve the pot roast hot, sliced or pulled apart, with a generous portion of the caramelized onions on top. It’s delicious with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over egg noodles. Don’t forget to ladle some of the rich broth over the meat for added flavor.
how to store Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
Store any leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to include the onions and broth for the best flavor. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a bit of beef stock to maintain moisture.
tips to make Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
- For extra flavor, marinate the chuck roast in red wine overnight before cooking.
- Make sure to caramelize the onions slowly to develop their sweet flavor; don’t rush this step.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
variation
For a twist, you can add mushrooms along with the onions to give the pot roast an earthy flavor. You can also substitute the red wine with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use brisket or round roast instead of chuck roast, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your beef stock is gluten-free.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the roast and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 lb boneless chuck roast This is the main protein.
Seasoning & Oil
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt Use for seasoning the roast.
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Use for seasoning the roast.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Used for browning the roast.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Used for caramelizing onions.
Onions & Aromatics
- 3 lb yellow onions (about 8 medium to large) Key ingredient for caramelization.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the onions.
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup red wine or extra beef stock Choose wine for richer flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups beef stock Provides depth to the sauce.
- 1 sprig rosemary Fresh herb for flavor.
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf For additional aroma.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the boneless chuck roast with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chuck roast and brown it on all sides for about 10 minutes. Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced yellow onions and cook them until caramelized, about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute.
Cooking
- Sprinkle the maple syrup (or brown sugar) and flour over the onions and stir well to combine.
- Pour in the red wine (or extra beef stock) and let it simmer for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
- Add the beef stock, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Return the browned chuck roast to the pot, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender.
- Once done, remove the roast from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.