Comforting French Onion Pot Roast – theamazingfood
Why Make This Recipe
Comforting French Onion Pot Roast is a hearty dish that warms the soul. With its rich flavors of caramelized onions and tender meat, it offers the perfect blend of comfort and satisfaction. This recipe is ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, providing a delicious way to feed a crowd. Plus, it fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”
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 chuck roast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the roast and brown it on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and the sliced yellow onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in maple syrup (or brown sugar) and flour, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine (or beef stock), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any brown bits. Then, add the beef stock, rosemary, bay leaf, and the browned roast back into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once done, discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
How to Serve Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
This pot roast goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Serve the tender meat topped with the rich onion sauce, and don’t forget to offer extra bread for dipping. A simple side salad can balance the richness of the dish.
How to Store Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
To store leftovers, let the pot roast cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer, where it will last for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
- Browning the roast well adds depth to the flavor.
- Be patient while caramelizing the onions; this step builds the best flavor.
- If you don’t have red wine, using extra beef stock works just as well.
- Feel free to add carrots or potatoes for extra heartiness.
Variation
For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can add mushrooms or switch to a different type of beef. If you like more vegetables, try adding celery or bell peppers when you sauté the onions.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make it in a slow cooker. Follow the initial steps of browning the roast and caramelizing the onions, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What should I serve with this pot roast?
Besides mashed potatoes and bread, you can serve it with rice or a hearty salad to complement the richness of the dish.
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
Comforting French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless chuck roast Choose a good quality cut for best flavor.
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil For browning the roast.
- 3 lbs yellow onions About 8 medium to large, sliced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar For sweetness.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour For thickening the sauce.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil For cooking the onions.
- 1 cup red wine or extra beef stock For deglazing the pot.
- 2 1/2 cups beef stock
- 1 sprig rosemary Fresh preferred.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by seasoning the chuck roast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the roast and brown it on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the pot and set it aside.
Cooking
- In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sliced yellow onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in maple syrup (or brown sugar) and flour, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine (or beef stock), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any brown bits. Then add beef stock, rosemary, bay leaf, and the browned roast back into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once done, discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
