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Tender Dutch Oven Pot Roast Recipe with Sweet Caramelized Onions

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A tender and flavorful Dutch oven pot roast simmered with sweet caramelized onions, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers nostalgic comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast (well-marbled beef for tenderness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (season generously)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup dry red wine or extra beef broth (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for 45 minutes to 1 hour until onions are deeply golden and sweet.
  3. While onions caramelize, season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  4. Remove half of the caramelized onions from the Dutch oven and set aside for serving. Increase heat to medium-high and add olive oil if needed.
  5. Sear the roast in the Dutch oven, browning each side for 4-5 minutes to lock in flavor and juices.
  6. Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, and optional vegetables (carrots and celery) around the roast.
  7. Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom with a wooden spoon.
  8. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the oven. Cook low and slow for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the meat pulls apart easily with a fork.
  9. Check periodically and add more broth or water if liquid level gets low. Avoid uncovering too often.
  10. Remove the roast and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Stir the reserved caramelized onions back into the pot juices for sauce.

Notes

Searing the roast is essential for locking in flavor. Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to avoid bitterness. Let the roast rest before slicing to redistribute juices. If using a slow cooker, sear meat and caramelize onions first, then cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: pot roast, Dutch oven, caramelized onions, beef roast, slow cooked, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/tender-dutch-oven-pot-roast-recipe-with-sweet-caramelized-onions-easy-and-perfect/