The weather is finally getting a little colder, so if you’re looking for a mouthwatering dish that will help comfort you this fall/winter then keep reading!
This French Onion Pot Roast recipe made in a Dutch oven will make your tastebuds dance.
Because this isn’t your typical roasted beef recipe, we’re going to dive into the culinary roots of pot roasts, explore the backstory of French onion soup, share some tips and tricks, and offer some Dutch oven cooking advice to give you everything you need to make this meal delicious at home.
The Culinary Roots of Pot Roasts
As many of you know pot roasts are hearty and wholesome dishes made by families all around the world. Of course, this looks a little bit different based on where you are in the world, but we’re going to explore the European culinary history.
The method of slow-cooking meat was very popular in rural medieval Europe. The practice was to slow-cook tough meats in a large pot over an open flame. Modern day, we like to cook over pot roasts in crockpots, pressure cookers, or in this case a Dutch oven.
Dutch ovens make for perfect slow-cooking recipes because they are thick, sturdy, and ensure even heat distribution. Keep reading as I will share some tips and tricks to Dutch oven cooking that I have found further down in this post.
The Story Behind French Onion Soup
Now that we understand a little bit more about pot roast recipes in general, let’s dive into what makes this recipe unique – FRENCH ONION!
French onion soup is a classic French dish packed with delicious savory flavors that brings you warmth and comfort.
You can trace back the origins to the time of the Romans when onions were considered an everyday staple; however, it became famous in the 18th century after King Louis XV of France declared that French Onion was his favorite soup.
After people starting immigrating to America, the French onion soup recipe changed a little bit and became an inspiration for many other dishes like this French Onion Pot Roast.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best French Onion Pot Roast
Making this post roast recipe is actually a lot easier than you think, especially with a Dutch Oven.
- Pick the Right Cut: You want a cut of meat that is pretty tough like a chuck roast or bottom round to ensure that you get a tender result in the end.
- Sear the Meat: Make sure to give your meat a good sear in the Dutch oven on the stove to lock in the flavor and create a delicious, caramelized crust.
- Herbs and Seasoning: Don’t be stingy with your seasonings! Also, add in some fresh herbs like thyme to elevate the flavor of your pot roast.
- Low and Slow: If you want meat that melts in your mouth, then low and slow is the way to go.
Dutch Oven Cooking Tips
I think the Dutch oven is going to become one of my new favorite cooking tools because it is so easy to use makes absolutely delicious meals. Here are some Dutch oven cooking tips:
- Preheat: Always make sure to preheat dutch oven. Make sure to look at the instructions that come with your pot to ensure you are preheating in the right way.
- Use the Right Utenstils: Wooden and silicone are gentle on the enamel coating and won’t leave scratches. If you need to use another material, just make sure to keep it away from the edges of the pot.
- Monitor the Heat Level: Dutch ovens are known for their ability to retain heat over time, so avoid rushing the cooking process. Cook it low and slow.
- Take Proper Care of your Pot: If using an enamel coated pot, wash your Dutch oven by hand because the dishwasher could potentially damage the coating.
- Avoid Drastic Temperature Changes: Putting cold liquids in a hot pot or hot liquids in a cold pot could cause damages or cracks to the surface. Make sure to allow your pot to cool or heat up when necessary.
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Ready to Make French Onion Pot Roast?
This French Onion Pot Roast Recipe won’t disappoint! The combination of traditional pot roast flavors with the French onion soup inspiration, makes for hearty comforting dish to share with the family. Just remember to choose the right cut of meat, season your meat generously, and let your Dutch oven work its magic. ENJOY!!
French Onion Pot Roast
Equipment
- 1 Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Meat Seasonings
- 3,5 lbs Beef Bottom Round
- 1 tbsp Seasoning Salt
- 1 tbsp Minced Onion
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
Broth Mixture
- 1.5 cups Beef Broth
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 bunch Thyme
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ¼ cup Tomato Sauce
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups Sliced Onion
- Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. You could also put your Dutch oven in there to preheat as well, or you could heat up the Dutch oven on the stove with a little bit of oil.
While the Oven is Preheating
- Season your beef bottom round with all the seasonings under the meat seasoning category. Make sure to add a little bit of olive oil to make sure that your seasonings are spread evenly across the meat.
- Create your liquid by combining all the ingredients in the broth mixture tabs in a bowl or measuring cup. Make sure to combine all the flavors together thoroughly by stirring with a whisk.
- Slice up 2 small onions to be used for later.
Start Cooking in Dutch Oven
- Sear your seasoned meat in the Dutch oven on the stove on medium heat for 3-5 minutes or until you get a nice crust on your beef. Make sure to sear the meat on both sides.
- Add your sliced onions to the pot and let them cook down for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in your beef broth mixture and let it all come to a simmer before covering with the lid.
- Put your dutch oven in the preheated oven and cook for 3 to 3.5 hours. Make sure to use oven mitts as the handles to the Dutch oven will be extremely hot.
- After the cooking time is up, pull out your dutch oven and ENJOY!
