Description
This Caramelized French Onion Pot Roast is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Made with fork-tender chuck roast braised in a rich, sweet-savory gravy of caramelized onions, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. A hearty dinner perfect for cold nights, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something homey and soul-warming.
Ingredients
3–4 lbs chuck roast
3 large yellow onions, sliced
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Pat chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add sliced onions to the pot with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Return the roast to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer.
7. Cover and transfer to a preheated 300°F oven. Cook for 3 to 3.5 hours until fork-tender.
8. Remove from oven and let rest 10–15 minutes. Slice and serve with onion gravy.
Notes
Don’t rush the onion caramelization—it’s key to building deep flavor.
Let the roast rest after cooking to retain juiciness before slicing.
This recipe works great in a slow cooker after searing and caramelizing on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (of 6 total)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg