Save Tender beef pot roast and caramelized onions simmered in a savory broth, finished with melted cheese and crusty bread for the ultimate slow cooker comfort casserole.
This casserole has quickly become a favorite in my household, perfect for cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
- Beef & Aromatics: 1 (3 4 lb / 1.4 1.8 kg) chuck roast trimmed, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced, 4 cloves garlic minced
- Broth Base: 1/3 cup dry sherry or white wine, 2 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed), 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf
- Finish & Topping: 1 baguette sliced (or gluten-free bread), 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat the chuck roast dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear roast on all sides until browned (about 3 4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet add sliced onions. Sauté over medium heat until deeply golden and caramelized about 12 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Step 4:
- Deglaze the pan with dry sherry or wine scraping up browned bits. Pour onion mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
- Step 5:
- Add beef broth Worcestershire Dijon mustard thyme and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Step 6:
- Discard bay leaf. Shred beef into large chunks in the slow cooker and stir to combine with onions and broth.
- Step 7:
- Preheat oven broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until golden about 1 2 minutes per side.
- Step 8:
- For serving Ladle beef and onion mixture into oven-safe bowls. Top each with toasted baguette slices and a generous sprinkle of Gruyère.
- Step 9:
- Broil bowls until cheese is bubbling and golden 2 4 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Step 10:
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Save This meal has brought many cozy family dinners filled with warmth and good conversation around the table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Slow cooker (minimum 6-quart), Chefs knife, Cutting board, Oven-safe bowls, Baking sheet
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread), Dairy (cheese), Soy (Worcestershire sauce may contain soy). Check broth and Worcestershire sauce for gluten and soy if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories 540, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 41 g per serving.
Save Enjoy this rich and hearty casserole that is as comforting as it is delicious.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 12–15 minutes, until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
- → Can I substitute the dry sherry with another ingredient?
Yes, white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar can deglaze the pan while adding a pleasant acidity that complements the beef and onions.
- → What is the best way to ensure the beef is tender?
Cook the chuck roast on low heat for 8 hours in a slow cooker, allowing the connective tissues to break down for a fork-tender texture.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and ensure the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. This preserves the rich flavors without gluten.
- → What cheeses work well for the topping besides Gruyère?
Swiss cheese or other mild, meltable cheeses like Emmental or Fontina are excellent alternatives that provide similar creamy and nutty notes.
- → Is there a recommended wine pairing for this dish?
Bold red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complement the rich beef and caramelized onion flavors beautifully.