A slow-cooked winter classic where tender beef melts into a rich, onion-filled gravy that warms the whole house.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 3 h
Total: 3 h 15 min
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the beef roast on all sides until deeply browned, then remove and set aside to lock in flavor.
Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions to the same pot, cooking slowly and stirring often until they soften and caramelize into a deep golden color.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking briefly until fragrant and evenly coating the onions with richness.
Return the beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth, add thyme, salt, and black pepper, then cover tightly and transfer to a low oven to braise until the meat becomes fork-tender.
Remove the lid for the final minutes to slightly thicken the onion gravy, then spoon the sauce generously over the roast before serving.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 480 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 14g | Fat: 30g
Quick Facts
• one-pot
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Slice the onions evenly so they caramelize at the same pace and create a smooth, balanced sauce.
Brown the beef well before braising to deepen the overall flavor of the dish.
Let the roast rest briefly before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Variations
Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast
This version transfers the seared beef and caramelized onions to a slow cooker, where it cooks gently on low for several hours. The result is ultra-tender meat with an even richer onion gravy, perfect for hands-off winter cooking days. If you love effortless comfort meals, take a look at our Crock Pot Recipe for more slow-cooked inspiration.
Rustic Onion Gravy Pot Roast
For a thicker, more spoonable sauce, mash some of the caramelized onions directly into the cooking liquid near the end. This creates a hearty gravy that clings beautifully to the beef and feels especially comforting on cold nights. You might also enjoy our cozy Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes as the perfect side to soak up that rich onion gravy.
French Onion Beef Bowl
Turn leftovers into a new meal by shredding the beef and serving it over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, topped with plenty of onion gravy. It becomes a cozy, bowl-style dinner that feels like a completely new recipe. For another creative leftover idea, check out our flavorful Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry for inspiration.