INTRODUCTION
Savory French Onion Pot Roast is a delightful comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly. This dish combines the rich flavors of tender pot roast with the sweet and savory tones of caramelized onions, a bit of garlic, and a touch of maple syrup. It is a dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, making everyone eager to sit down to eat.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Savory French Onion Pot Roast for many reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to make. With simple steps and basic ingredients, this recipe fits perfectly into any cook’s repertoire. Second, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The tender beef paired with the sweet, caramelized onions creates a dish that is comforting and satisfying. Third, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are having a family meal or hosting friends, this pot roast will impress everyone at the table.
HOW TO MAKE Savory French Onion Pot Roast
Making Savory French Onion Pot Roast is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this delicious dish, you need a few simple kitchen tools:
- A Dutch oven
- A food processor with a slicing attachment
- A set of sturdy tongs
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients You’ll Need
You will need the following ingredients to make Savory French Onion 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
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up.
- Season your pot roast with half of the salt and pepper. Use your fingers to ensure it is evenly coated.
- Carefully add the pot roast to the Dutch oven. Sear it on all sides until browned. Use tongs to flip it. This process should take about 10-12 minutes total.
- Once browned, transfer the pot roast to a plate and let it rest on the side.
- Prepare your onions. Set up your food processor with a thin slicing attachment. Cut the onions in half and peel away the skins. You can keep the skins for homemade stocks.
- Slice all onions through the food processor.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the Dutch oven. Once hot, tumble in the sliced onions. Toss them in the oil and season with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are translucent and limp, which takes about 5 minutes. Make sure any liquid released from the onions evaporates.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the onions for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions will become golden, but be careful not to burn them. Scrape the bottom of the pot often.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F during this time.
- Add the chopped garlic and the maple syrup to the onions. Cook for another 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently. The garlic will soften and combine with the onions.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring well to coat them.
- Deglaze the pan by adding the red wine. Let it simmer briefly before pouring in the beef stock. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Return the pot roast to the Dutch oven. Ensure the French Onion liquid covers the roast. Add in the rosemary and bay leaf.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a simmer.
- Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook undisturbed for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, carefully pull the pot from the oven. Turn the pot roast over in the juices. Use two forks to pull it apart easily; it should fall apart.
- Cover the pot again and return it to the oven. Cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until it is meltingly tender.
- Once done, remove the pot from the oven. Allow it to cool. For even better flavor, cool it completely and refrigerate in the same pot. Reheat for dinner the next day.
- Serve the hot pot roast with mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered egg noodles.
HOW TO SERVE Savory French Onion Pot Roast
When it comes to serving Savory French Onion Pot Roast, presentation matters. A great way to serve it is by placing the pot roast on a large platter and spooning some of the delicious onion sauce over the top. Add a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy polenta. These sides complement the rich flavors of the pot roast, making every bite enjoyable. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a pop of color and freshness.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Savory French Onion Pot Roast
This pot roast is excellent for storing. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. If you wish to freeze it, let the pot roast cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly in a pot on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of beef stock if it thickens too much. You will enjoy the delicious flavors even after freezing.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can enjoy this Savory French Onion Pot Roast in many ways:
- Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Add a side of buttered egg noodles for a comforting meal.
- Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the roast.
- For extra flavor, add a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Try using different types of meat like brisket or round roast for a different flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and ensure that your beef stock and other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Change up the liquid by using beer or vegetable stock instead of red wine for a unique taste.
FAQs
-
Can I make this pot roast in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Follow the same steps for browning the meat and sautéing the onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. -
What can I replace red wine with?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can use more beef stock instead. Some people also enjoy using grape juice or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor. -
How do I know when the pot roast is done?
The pot roast is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. You should not feel much resistance; it should feel soft. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this pot roast can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better the next day! Just let it cool completely, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Savory French Onion Pot Roast
To save time, you can prepare some elements of Savory French Onion Pot Roast in advance. Slice the onions and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days ahead. You can also season and brown the pot roast a day before and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to continue with the recipe. This way, when you are ready to cook, it will be quicker, and your meal will be just as delicious with minimal effort. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends!
PrintSavory French Onion Pot Roast
A delightful comfort dish of tender pot roast with caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of maple syrup. Perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 210 minutes
- Total Time: 225 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: None
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
Instructions
- Preheat your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up.
- Season your pot roast with half of the salt and pepper. Use your fingers to ensure it is evenly coated.
- Carefully add the pot roast to the Dutch oven. Sear it on all sides until browned, about 10-12 minutes total.
- Transfer the pot roast to a plate and let it rest on the side.
- Prepare your onions using a food processor with a thin slicing attachment. Slice all onions.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the Dutch oven. Once hot, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the onions for 20 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped garlic and maple syrup to the onions. Cook for another 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring well to coat.
- Deglaze the pan by adding the red wine and then the beef stock, stirring until well combined.
- Return the pot roast to the Dutch oven, cover with sauce, and add rosemary and bay leaf.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and place in a preheated oven at 300°F. Cook undisturbed for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, use two forks to pull apart the roast and return it to the oven cover again for an additional 30-45 minutes until meltingly tender.
Notes
This pot roast tastes even better the next day and is great for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: pot roast, French onion, comfort food, beef, slow-cooker
