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 quickly became a favorite in our household thanks to its rich flavor and comforting nature.
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 recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and smiles.
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 per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this flavorful casserole that perfectly balances hearty meat with rich, cheesy goodness.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which yields tender, flavorful bites.
- → How do the onions contribute to the dish?
Slow caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, deepening the overall flavor profile.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, Swiss cheese works well if Gruyère is unavailable, offering a similar creamy texture.
- → What role does the toasted bread play?
It adds a crisp texture and soaks up flavorful juices beneath the melted cheese topping.
- → Is white wine necessary in the cooking process?
White wine adds acidity and enhances the dish’s complexity, but broth alone can be used if preferred.