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 has been a family favorite for years. I remember serving it on chilly evenings, and everyone loved the warm, cheesy topping combined with the tender beef below.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- In the same pot add butter and onions. Cook over medium heat stirring often until deeply caramelized and golden brown about 25 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Add garlic and carrots sauté 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Pour in white wine scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 3 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Stir in beef broth Worcestershire sauce thyme bay leaves salt and pepper. Return beef to the pot.
- Step 7:
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Step 8:
- Meanwhile toast the bread cubes on a baking sheet at 325°F (165°C) for 10 12 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.
- Step 9:
- Remove pot from oven. Discard bay leaves. Transfer beef and onions to a large casserole dish (3 4 qt).
- Step 10:
- Top evenly with toasted bread cubes then sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Step 11:
- Return casserole (uncovered) to the oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 12:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more thyme if desired.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings my family together for a cozy meal and lively conversation.
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
Calories 625 Total Fat 32 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 54 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting casserole as a perfect centerpiece for your next family dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Swiss cheese works well as an alternative to Gruyère for a slightly different flavor.
- → How do I get the onions deeply caramelized?
Cooking the onions slowly over medium heat with butter for about 25 minutes develops their sweet, rich flavor.
- → What is the purpose of toasting the bread?
Toasted rustic bread adds a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the melted cheese topping.
- → Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble ahead and bake just before serving to maintain the crispy topping and melty cheese.