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Swabian Beef Roast with Onions

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This Swabian Beef Roast with Onions is the ultimate comfort food dinner. A fork-tender beef roast slow-braised with a mountain of sweet, golden onions in a rich, savory gravy — served over buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 412

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced (about 5-6 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat the chuck roast completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Lightly dust both sides with 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast for 4-5 minutes per side without moving it, until a deep golden-brown crust forms on all sides. Remove beef from the pot and set aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same pot. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until very soft and just beginning to turn golden.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and stir into the onion mixture, cooking for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  6. Nestle the seared beef roast back into the pot. The braising liquid should come at least halfway up the sides of the meat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours, turning the roast once halfway through, until the beef is completely fork-tender and falling apart.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Carefully transfer the roast to a cutting board and use two forks to pull the beef apart into large, rustic chunks.
  9. Return the shredded beef to the pot with the onions and gravy. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 412kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 42gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Make it ahead: This roast tastes even better the next day! Braise it completely, let it cool, cover and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth until warmed through.
Slow cooker option: After searing the beef and softening the onions, transfer everything to a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until fall-apart tender. Do not cook on high.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Cover well to protect against freezer burn.

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