There’s something magical about a slow-cooked beef roast filling your home with savory, mouthwatering aromas. This recipe is comfort food at its finest—tender, juicy meat bathed in a rich, flavorful broth, served with a velvety onion gravy. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to impress.
The Secret to the Perfect Roast
The key to a perfect beef roast is patience. Slow braising allows the meat to soak up every bit of flavor from the broth, red wine vinegar, and aromatic herbs. The onions and garlic melt into the sauce, creating a deep, savory base, while the tomato paste adds a hint of richness. And let’s not forget the homemade gravy—silky, smooth, and absolutely irresistible when drizzled over slices of tender roast.
What You’ll Need:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 beef roast (chuck or rump works best)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups beef stock or reduced-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup red wine vinegar or red wine
• 3 medium onions, cut into large wedges
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 dried bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup flour (or more if needed)
How to make Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Rich Onion Gravy
Step 1: Sear the Meat for Maximum Flavor
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Generously season the roast with salt and pepper on each side.
4. Place the roast in the hot pan and sear it on all sides, about 10 minutes total, until beautifully browned.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base & Slow Roast
5. Turn the roast fat-side up in the Dutch oven.
6. Pour in the beef stock and red wine vinegar.
7. Add onions, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir in tomato paste to enhance the richness.
8. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to the oven.
9. Let it braise for about 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F and the roast is fork-tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
10. Remove the roast from the pot and place it on a carving board. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid.
11. Be sure to let your roast rest at least 15 minutes for juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice the roast (an electric carving knife makes this even easier and is how I prefer to prepare it) and arrange the onions around it.
12. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Make the Gravy Silky Smooth
13. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of flour with equal parts water until smooth. You can whisk it by hand or shake it in a sealed container.
14. Slowly pour the flour mixture into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
15. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This slow-braised beef roast is perfect served over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered egg noodles. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy.
This is the kind of meal that brings people together, creating warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply craving a hearty meal, this beef roast recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!
