🥩 Tender Beef with Savory Onion Gravy

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours (stovetop), or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2–2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 2–3 Tbsp flour (optional, for dredging)

• 2–3 Tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Onion Gravy

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 2 Tbsp flour (for thickening)

• 1 ½–2 cups beef broth

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1–2 tsp soy sauce (optional, adds depth)

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2–3 tsp fresh)

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare and Brown the Beef

1. Season beef chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Optional: Lightly coat the beef in 2–3 Tbsp flour — this helps with browning and thickens the gravy later.

3. Heat oil/butter in a heavy pot (Dutch oven works best).

4. Brown beef on all sides until deeply golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Onion Gravy Base

1. In the same pot, add butter, then stir in the sliced onions.

2. Cook on medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.

3. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.

4. Sprinkle in 2 Tbsp flour and stir to coat onions; cook 1 minute.

5. Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking until smooth.

6. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and soy sauce (if using).

7. Bring to a simmer.

3. Braise the Beef

1. Return beef (and juices) to the pot.

2. Add bay leaf if using.

3. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.

   • Add broth as needed to keep gravy at your desired consistency.

Slow Cooker Option:

• After browning beef and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker.

• Add broth and seasonings.

• Cook 6–8 hours on LOW.

4. Finish the Gravy

1. Remove bay leaf.

2. Taste and adjust: add salt, pepper, or more Worcestershire if needed.

3. If gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered a few minutes to thicken.

4. If too thick, add a splash of broth.

Serve With

• Mashed potatoes (classic!)

• Egg noodles

• Warm rice

• Buttered toast

• Roasted vegetables