Description
Melt-in-your-mouth beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted Gruyère cheese come together in this soul-warming Savory French Onion Pot Roast. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this easy dinner recipe transforms a humble chuck roast into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for family meals or elegant dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for cozy winter food ideas or an indulgent yet healthy-ish comfort meal, this is one of those must-try dinner recipes you’ll crave often. Ideal for meal prepping or impressive entertaining, this pot roast is as versatile as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)
1 1/2 cups pearl onions
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chuck roast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in Dutch oven and sear the roast on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add sliced onions and caramelize over medium heat for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce; cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Deglaze pan with red wine (or extra broth), scraping up browned bits.
5. Return the roast to the pot, add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, bay leaves, and pearl onions. Cover and transfer to a 325°F oven.
6. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours until fork-tender. Add more broth as needed to keep moist.
7. Optional: remove roast and thicken sauce with a flour-water slurry if desired. Simmer until thickened.
8. Top roast with shredded Gruyère and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or noodles.
Notes
Use chuck roast with visible marbling for the most tender and flavorful result.
Don’t rush the onion caramelization—this step adds essential depth.
Broil the cheese topping just before serving to keep it melty and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg