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Comforting French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 89 reviews

This Comforting French Onion Pot Roast combines the rich, deep flavors of caramelized onions, tender slow-braised chuck roast, and a luscious red wine and beef broth sauce. The meat is seared to develop a golden crust, then slow-baked in a flavorful French onion sauce until it becomes fork-tender and succulent. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish showcases classic techniques and ingredients that create an unforgettable comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

  • 3 lb boneless chuck roast
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for searing)

French Onion Mixture

  • 3 lbs yellow onions (about 8 medium to large), sliced into 1/4-inch rings
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour

Liquids and Herbs

  • 1 cup red wine or extra beef stock
  • 2 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Roast: Pat the boneless chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season generously on all sides with 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned roast into the hot pot and sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove the roast and set aside. This sear builds a fundamental layer of flavor for the dish.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: While the roast sears, slice onions into 1/4-inch rings. Add 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to the same pot. Add onions, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are very soft and starting to caramelize golden. Slow, careful caramelization is key to their flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Sweetener: Stir in minced garlic and maple syrup (or brown sugar) and cook for another 7-8 minutes until fragrant and more deeply caramelized.
  4. Incorporate Flour and Deglaze: Sprinkle 1 tbsp all-purpose flour over onions and stir for 1 minute to coat. Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze, incorporating all browned bits into the sauce.
  5. Add Broth and Herbs: Stir in 2 1/2 cups beef stock, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld.
  6. Braise the Roast: Return the seared chuck roast to the pot, nestling it into the onions and liquid, ensuring most of the meat is submerged. Cover tightly with a lid and transfer to a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven. Bake for 3 hours.
  7. Turn and Continue Cooking: After 3 hours, remove the pot, carefully turn the roast, and gently pull it apart with two forks if tender enough. Re-cover and return to the oven for an additional 30-45 minutes until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  8. Finish and Rest: Remove the pot from the oven, discard rosemary and bay leaf. Let the pot roast rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes to reabsorb juices and become more succulent.
  9. Serve: Serve the shredded pot roast with generous amounts of the rich French onion sauce, perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use a good quality dry red wine for best flavor; if avoiding alcohol, use additional beef stock instead.
  • Slicing onions uniformly ensures even caramelization.
  • Don’t rush caramelizing onions; their deep flavor is a cornerstone of this dish.
  • Letting the roast rest in the sauce before serving makes it juicier and more flavorful.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or polenta to soak up the sauce.

Keywords: French Onion Pot Roast, Pot Roast Recipe, Slow Braised Beef, Caramelized Onion Beef, Comfort Food, One-Pot Roast

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/comforting-french-onion-pot-roast-recipe/