Pin 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.
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 23 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 1012 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 (34 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 1520 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 12:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more thyme if desired.
Pin 
Pin Recipe FAQ
- → How is the beef prepared for this dish?
The beef is trimmed and cut into large cubes, then browned in olive oil before simmering gently with the onions and broth for tenderness.
- → What gives this dish its rich onion flavor?
Yellow onions are slowly caramelized in butter until golden brown, providing a sweet and deep onion flavor throughout the dish.
- → Why are bread cubes toasted separately?
Toasting the bread cubes ensures they become crisp and hold texture when topped with melted cheese during baking.
- → Can the cheese topping be substituted?
Yes, Swiss cheese can be used instead of Gruyère to maintain a similar creamy, nutty flavor profile.
- → What herbs enhance the overall taste?
Fresh thyme and bay leaves are added during cooking to infuse herbal notes and deepen the savory character of the dish.