French Onion Pot Roast: Tender Beef with Rich Caramelized Onion Gravy

French Onion Pot Roast combines tender, slow-cooked beef with the rich and savory flavors of caramelized onions. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner, served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Ingredients:

For the Pot Roast:

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more beef broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Roast:

   • Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

2. Sear the Beef:

   • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.

3. Caramelize the Onions:

   • Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions to the same pot. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pot:

   • Pour in the red wine (if using) or a bit of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Assemble and Cook:

   • Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir to combine.
   • Return the seared roast to the pot, nestling it into the liquid and onions. Cover with a lid.
   • Cook in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, cook on low heat in a slow cooker for 8 hours.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the bay leaves before serving. Slice or shred the beef and serve with the caramelized onion gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• For a thicker gravy, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the liquid. Simmer until thickened.
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.