Save A hearty, savory casserole blending tender pot roast with caramelized onions and a cheesy French onion soup-inspired topping. The ultimate comfort food hack for cozy nights.
This dish combines classic French onion soup flavors with a tender pot roast for a satisfying meal our family loves.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg), cut into large chunks
- Yellow onions: 3 large, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, sliced
- Celery stalks: 2, sliced
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Dry red wine: 1 cup (240 ml) or additional beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Gruyère cheese: 1.5 cups (170 g), grated
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (110 g), shredded
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Bay leaves: 2
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Optional topping: 6 slices crusty French bread or gluten-free bread
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Caramelize Onions:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook stirring often until deeply caramelized about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove half the onions and set aside for topping.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add garlic carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Brown Beef:
- Increase heat to medium-high add beef chunks browning on all sides.
- Deglaze:
- Pour in red wine to deglaze scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Stir in beef broth Worcestershire sauce thyme bay leaves salt and pepper.
- Bake:
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Remove Bay Leaves and Shred Beef:
- Remove bay leaves. Shred beef gently in the pot and stir.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish:
- Transfer mixture to a large casserole dish.
- Add Toppings:
- Top evenly with reserved caramelized onions followed by Gruyère and mozzarella cheese.
- Add Bread:
- Arrange bread slices on top optional pressing them slightly into the cheese.
- Bake Cheese and Bread:
- Return casserole to oven uncovered and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and bread is crisp.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Save Our family gathers during chilly evenings to enjoy this casserole which brings comfort and warmth at our table.
Notes
Pairs beautifully with a green salad and a glass of Bordeaux for a complete meal.
Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot Chefs knife Cutting board Casserole dish Grater
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy cheese butter Gluten French bread can be replaced with gluten-free bread May contain Sulfites wine Worcestershire sauce Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Save This French Onion Pot Roast Casserole is a perfect comforting dish that elevates pot roast with cheesy onion topping.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Cook sliced onions slowly in butter and olive oil over medium heat, stirring often for 25-30 minutes until deep golden and sweet.
- → What is the best way to make the pot roast tender?
Roast beef chunks covered at a low temperature (325°F) for about 2 hours until fork-tender, ensuring flavors meld well.
- → Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese?
Yes, fontina or sharp white cheddar can be used for a similar creamy texture with slight flavor variation.
- → Is it necessary to use red wine during cooking?
Red wine deglazes the pan and adds depth; however, extra beef broth can be substituted if preferred.
- → How can this dish be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free bread for the topping or omit bread altogether while keeping the cheese layer intact.