Savory Onion-Infused Pot Roast
This Savory Onion-Infused Pot Roast recipe brings together tender, succulent beef and a rich, flavorful gravy that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Infused with aromatic onions and garlic, this easy-to-follow recipe features a unique blend of seasonings that enhances the natural flavor of the roast while maintaining a salt-free profile, aside from the essential Worcestershire sauce. As the roast cooks slowly in the oven, it becomes fork-tender, allowing you to easily slice it and serve with a side of your favorite vegetables or mashed potatoes. Enjoy a hearty meal that warms the soul!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
3 cups (thinly sliced)
Garlic
4 cloves (minced)
Boneless cross-rib roast or short rib roast
1 (weighing about 3 pounds)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Water
1 cup (for cooking)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
Cold water
2 tablespoons (for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a large casserole dish, Dutch oven, or roaster, spread half of the sliced onions evenly across the bottom.
3
Rinse the boneless cross-rib roast or short rib roast under cold running water, pat it dry with paper towels, and place it on top of the onion layer.
4
Layer the remaining onions over the roast, followed by the minced garlic.
5
Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper and thyme evenly over the garlic and onions.
6
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of water with the Worcestershire sauce, then pour this mixture over the roast.
7
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
8
Place the covered roast in the preheated oven and cook for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork. (For added evenness, consider flipping the roast halfway through cooking time.)
9
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Tent it loosely with foil to keep warm, allowing it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes, making it easier to carve.
10
While the roast rests, check the pot for remaining liquid. If necessary, add enough liquid (water, wine, or beef broth) to ensure you have 2 cups total, skimming off any visible fat.
11
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this mixture into the pot juices.
12
Heat the pan juices over medium-high heat, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes, or until the gravy reaches a boil and thickens to your desired consistency.
13
If desired, strain the gravy to remove any lumps, then carve the roast into thin slices and serve with the gravy on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Onion-Infused Pot Roast?
It is a tender, succulent beef roast cooked slowly with aromatic onions and garlic to create a rich, flavorful gravy.
What cuts of beef are recommended for this recipe?
You should use a boneless cross-rib roast or a short rib roast weighing approximately 3 pounds.
How many onions are required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of thinly sliced onions.
Is this pot roast recipe salt-free?
Yes, the recipe maintains a salt-free profile, using only Worcestershire sauce for seasoning beyond the natural flavors and spices.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) before starting the cooking process.
How long does the roast take to cook?
The roast should cook for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
What type of cooking dish should I use?
A large casserole dish, Dutch oven, or roaster is suitable for this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You need 4 cloves of garlic, which should be minced before being layered onto the roast.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The roast is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce mixed with water.
Do I need to rinse the meat before cooking?
Yes, rinse the roast under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels before placing it in the dish.
How are the ingredients layered in the pot?
Spread half the onions on the bottom, place the roast on top, then layer the remaining onions and garlic over the meat.
Should the dish be covered while in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to lock in moisture during the slow-cooking process.
Can I flip the roast during cooking?
Yes, for more even cooking, consider flipping the roast halfway through the total cooking time.
How do I know when the meat is done?
The roast is finished when it is fork-tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Why is it important to let the roast rest?
Allowing the roast to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking makes it easier to carve and keeps it moist.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the boiling pan juices.
How much total liquid is needed for the gravy?
You should have a total of 2 cups of liquid; if the pan juices are low, add water, wine, or beef broth.
Can I add wine to this recipe?
Yes, wine can be added to the pot juices while preparing the gravy to reach the 2-cup liquid requirement.
How long should I cook the gravy?
Stir the gravy continuously over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until it reaches a boil and thickens.
Should I remove the fat from the juices?
Yes, it is recommended to skim off any visible fat from the pot juices before making the gravy.
Is it necessary to strain the gravy?
Straining is optional, but it helps remove lumps or large onion pieces for a smoother consistency.
How should the roast be served?
Carve the roast into thin slices and serve it topped with the prepared onion-infused gravy.
What sides pair well with this pot roast?
It is delicious when served with mashed potatoes or your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-follow recipe that uses simple ingredients and standard oven techniques.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme, though you may need to increase the amount slightly.
What is the role of the cornstarch?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to turn the thin pan juices into a rich gravy.
How much water is added before cooking?
One cup of water is mixed with the Worcestershire sauce and poured over the roast before baking.
Is this a good meal for family gatherings?
Absolutely, this hearty meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or larger family gatherings.
Does this recipe use a slow cooker?
This specific recipe is designed for oven cooking, though the low temperature mimics a slow-cooking method.