Why You’ll Crave This Savory Dish

Savory French Onion Pot Roast is a delightful twist on the classic pot roast. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when friends come over. The rich flavors of caramelized onions combined with tender beef create a heartwarming meal that warms you from the inside out. This recipe also allows you to enjoy the deliciousness the next day, as the flavors only get better!

A Step-By-Step Guide to Making Savory French Onion Pot Roast

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 lb boneless pot roast (chuck)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 lbs yellow onions (about 8 medium-large)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or gluten-free AP flour
• 1 cup red wine or more beef stock
• 2 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 bay leaf

Directions

1. Preheat Your Dutch Oven: Start by preheating a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.

2. Sear the Pot Roast: Season the pot roast with half of the salt and pepper. Carefully place the pot roast in the Dutch oven and sear it on all sides until it turns brown, which should take about 10-12 minutes. This step gives the meat a delicious crust!

3. Prepare Onions: While the beef browns, slice the onions. Halve them, peel the skins (save these for homemade stocks!), and use a food processor with a thin slicing attachment to slice the onions.

4. Cook the Onions: After browning the meat, set it aside on a plate. Add the remaining olive oil to the Dutch oven. Toss in the sliced onions, seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until they’re translucent and limp—about 5 minutes. Allow any liquid released to evaporate.

5. Caramelize the Onions: Lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes until they turn a light golden color. Scrape the bottom of the pot often to prevent burning.

6. Add Garlic and Maple Syrup: Stir in the garlic and maple syrup and cook for another 7-8 minutes, mixing frequently. This will deepen the flavors further.

7. Thicken the Mixture: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring well to coat the onions. Next, deglaze the pan with the wine, followed by pouring in the beef broth. Mix well to combine.

8. Combine with Pot Roast: Place the pot roast back into the Dutch oven, ensuring the French onion liquid covers the meat. Add the rosemary and bay leaf. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring everything to a simmer.

9. Cook in the Oven: Clamp the lid on the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven at 300°F. Cook undisturbed for 3 hours.

10. Finish Cooking: After 3 hours, take the pot out, carefully turn the roast over in the juices, and pull it apart using two forks. Cover it again and return it to the oven to cook for another 30-45 minutes until it’s meltingly tender.

11. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool. For even better flavors, refrigerate it overnight in the same pot and reheat for dinner the next day. Serve it hot with mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered egg noodles.

Serving Suggestions for the Pot Roast

Savory French Onion Pot Roast makes a comforting meal when served with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of buttery egg noodles. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier when reheated!

Tips for a Perfect Pot Roast

• Searing is Key: Make sure to take the time to brown the roast well—that’s where much of the flavor comes from.
• Cooking Slow is Best: Low and slow cooking ensures tenderness, so don’t rush the oven time.
• Flavor Boost: Adding thyme or a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavor further!

Variations You Can Try

You can vary the vegetables by adding carrots or potatoes to the pot. Feel free to replace the beef broth with chicken stock for a lighter dish.

Nutritional Information

While specific nutritional values can vary, a serving of Savory French Onion Pot Roast typically contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g

Comfort Food for the Family

This hearty dish makes for a filling family meal. The entire family will enjoy gathering around the table for this comforting, savory treat.

Perfect Pairings To Compliment Your Dinner

Pair your Savory French Onion Pot Roast with a glass of red wine for an enhanced dining experience. A simple side salad or green beans can add a refreshing balance to the dish.

Common Questions About This Recipe

1. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and ensure your beef stock is also gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze leftover pot roast?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftover pot roast in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Enjoy making this Savory French Onion Pot Roast—your family will thank you for it!

Savory French Onion Pot Roast

A delightful twist on the classic pot roast, featuring rich flavors of caramelized onions combined with tender beef for a heartwarming meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Pot Roast

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 lb boneless pot roast (chuck)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup red wine or more beef stock
• 2 1/2 cups beef stock
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

For the Onions

• 3 lbs yellow onions (about 8 medium-large)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or gluten-free AP flour

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
• Season the pot roast with half of the salt and pepper. Sear it on all sides until brown (10-12 minutes).
• Slice the onions and prepare them using a food processor with a thin slicing attachment.

Cooking

• Set the browned meat aside. Add remaining olive oil and cook the sliced onions with salt and pepper for about 5 minutes.
• Lower heat to medium-low, and continue cooking onions, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes until light golden.
• Add garlic and maple syrup, cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes.
• Sprinkle flour over the onions and deglaze the pan with wine, then add beef stock and mix well.
• Return the pot roast to the Dutch oven, add rosemary and bay leaf, and bring to a simmer.
• Cover and transfer to preheated oven at 300°F (approximately 150°C) and cook undisturbed for 3 hours.

Final Steps

• Carefully turn the roast over and shred with two forks. Cover and return to the oven for another 30-45 minutes until tender.
• Let the pot roast cool before serving. Refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors.

Notes

Searing the meat is crucial for flavor. Slow cooking delivers tenderness. Variations can include adding carrots or potatoes.

Keyword French Onion, pot roast, Savory