Description
This savory French onion pot roast recipe combines tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked with caramelized onions, beef broth, garlic, and thyme for a comforting, rich one-pot meal. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings. Learn how to make this easy and flavorful roast with cheese or without.
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
5 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat dry the chuck roast and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear roast on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat, add butter, and stir in sliced onions. Cook for 25–30 minutes until caramelized. Add garlic during the last 5 minutes.
4. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Scrape browned bits from the pot. Add thyme sprigs.
5. Return the roast to the pot, cover, and cook in a 300°F oven for 3 to 3.5 hours.
6. Once tender, remove lid and top with cheese (if using). Broil for 5–8 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
This roast tastes even better the next day.
If using cheese, Gruyère offers the most authentic French onion flavor.
Deglazing the pot after onions caramelize is key for depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-braised
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg