Save to Pinterest A cozy, hearty casserole marrying the flavors of classic French onion soup with tender pot roast, topped with melty cheese and crisp bread. The ultimate comfort food hack for family dinners.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at home because it combines rich beef with savory caramelized onions and gooey cheese in one easy dish.
Ingredients
- Chuck roast: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) trimmed and cut into large cubes
- Yellow onions: 3 large, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2, peeled and sliced
- Dry white wine: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Gruyère cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Baguette slices or rustic bread cubes: 4 cups (120 g)
- Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tbsp (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Bay leaves: 2
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set to 325°F (165°C).
- Brown beef:
- Heat olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat; brown beef cubes about 2 3 minutes per side and transfer to plate.
- Caramelize onions:
- Add butter and onions to pot; cook over medium heat stirring often for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add garlic and carrots; cook 2 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasoning:
- Pour in white wine scraping up browned bits; simmer 3 minutes. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper; return beef to pot.
- Bake pot roast:
- Cover and place in oven; bake 2 hours until beef is fork tender.
- Toast bread:
- Meanwhile toast bread cubes on baking sheet at 325°F (165°C) for 10 12 minutes until golden and crisp; set aside.
- Transfer to casserole dish:
- Remove pot from oven; discard bay leaves; transfer beef and onions to casserole dish (3 4 qt).
- Add toppings:
- Top with toasted bread cubes and sprinkle Gruyère cheese evenly.
- Finish baking:
- Return uncovered casserole to oven; bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 20 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving; garnish with more thyme if desired.
Save to Pinterest This dish brings everyone together at the table with its rich flavors and cozy warmth.
Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy pot Chefs knife Cutting board Baking sheet 3 4 quart casserole dish
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese butter) Gluten (bread) May contain Sulfites (wine Worcestershire sauce). Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 625 Total Fat 32 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 54 g
Save to Pinterest This French Onion Pot Roast Casserole is sure to be a comforting hit with your family and guests alike.
Questions & Answers
- → What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is ideal for slow braising, becoming tender and flavorful throughout cooking.
- → How are the onions prepared?
Thinly sliced onions are slowly caramelized in butter until golden and deeply flavored, forming the dish’s base.
- → Can I substitute the bread topping?
Yes, rustic bread or baguette slices toasted until crisp provide the perfect crunchy contrast.
- → What cheese is recommended?
Gruyère melts beautifully, offering a creamy, nutty note; Swiss cheese can be used as an alternative.
- → How long should the beef be cooked?
Braising for about two hours allows the beef to become fork-tender and absorb surrounding flavors.
- → Is the wine necessary?
Dry white wine enhances depth and acidity, balancing rich flavors in the braising liquid.