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Savory French Onion Pot Roast

Savory French Onion Pot Roast for Cozy Family Dinners

Savory French Onion Pot Roast is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners with delicious flavors and tender meat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Course Beef Recipes
Cuisine French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

For the Roast

  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast the star of the show, perfect for braising
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil essential for that beautiful sear
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; seasoning enhances the beef's natural flavor

For the Flavor Base

  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced; they caramelize beautifully
  • 4 cloves garlic minced; enhances the dish’s aroma and depth
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour helps thicken the cooking liquid
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste adds richness and a slight tang
  • 1 cup beef broth the key liquid for making this dish come to life
  • ½ cup red wine optional; adds complexity to the flavors
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce for a savory umami boost
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 bay leaves to infuse aromatic flavors

For the Veggies

  • 4 large carrots cut into chunks; they add sweetness and vibrant color
  • 1 pound baby potatoes halved; their creaminess complements the beef

For Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar brightens the flavors as a finishing touch
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish; adds a pop of color

Instructions
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • Generously season the beef chuck roast with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the roast for about 4 minutes on each side until browned.
  • Add the thinly sliced yellow onions to the same Dutch oven. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
  • Stir in the minced garlic with the onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, and stir in the tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, constantly stirring.
  • Slowly pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot, stirring to combine. Return the seared roast to the pot.
  • Add the chunks of carrots and halved baby potatoes around the roast in the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 3 to 3.5 hours.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pot from the oven and transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter.
  • Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid and stir in the balsamic vinegar before serving.
  • Slice the roast into serving pieces and serve with the onions, carrots, and potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Quality meat, proper searing, and letting the roast rest is essential for the best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 45gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Comfort Food, Family Dinner, hearty meals, pot roast, Savory French Onion Pot Roast
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