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 dish brings back memories of cozy family evenings where the aroma filled the house and everyone gathered around the table eager for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Meats: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large cubes
- Vegetables: 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- Liquids: 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine, 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Dairy: 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyère cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Breads: 4 cups (120 g) baguette slices or rustic bread cubes
- Herbs & Seasonings: 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme), 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Brown beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook onions:
- In the same pot, add butter and onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and carrots:
- Add garlic and carrots, sauté 2 minutes.
- Add wine:
- Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 3 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Return beef to the pot.
- Bake:
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Toast bread:
- Meanwhile, toast the bread cubes on a baking sheet at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
- Prepare casserole:
- Remove pot from oven. Discard bay leaves. Transfer beef and onions to a large casserole dish (3–4 qt).
- Add toppings:
- Top evenly with toasted bread cubes, then sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Bake cheese:
- Return casserole (uncovered) to the oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more thyme if desired.
Save to Pinterest This casserole is a staple at family dinners, often sparking stories and laughter as we enjoy every comforting bite together.
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) and 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 recipe truly shines with fresh ingredients and a little patience, promising a delicious meal every time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should the beef be cooked for tenderness?
Cook for about 2 hours at 325°F until the beef becomes fork-tender and infused with flavor.
- → What is the best bread to use for the topping?
Rustic bread like baguette slices or country-style cubes toasted until crisp provides a perfect crunchy topping.
- → Can the Gruyère cheese be substituted?
Swiss cheese is an excellent alternative that melts well and complements the caramelized onion flavors.
- → What role does white wine play in this dish?
White wine deglazes the pot, lifting browned bits and adding brightness to the savory broth.
- → How do the herbs enhance the dish?
Fresh thyme and bay leaves infuse aromatic herbal notes that deepen the overall taste profile.