Ingredients

For the Roast:

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 3 tablespoons butter

For the Onions and Sauce:

• 5-8 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2½-3 cups beef broth

• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• Fresh rosemary sprig

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare and Sear the Roast

Preheat oven to 325°F. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat half the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Caramelize the Onions

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil and butter to the Dutch oven. Add the sliced onions, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and cooked down. Remove the lid and continue cooking for 15-25 minutes more, stirring regularly, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.

Build the Sauce

Add minced garlic, brown sugar, and thyme to the caramelized onions, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for another minute, creating a paste. scraping up any browned bits. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

Braise the Roast

Return the seared roast to the Dutch oven and spoon the onion mixture over it. Add bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 3-4 hours, or until the meat falls apart easily with a fork.

Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the tender roast from the Dutch oven and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the rich onion gravy and stir to combine. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce. The dish can also be topped with Gruyère cheese for an authentic French onion soup finish.