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Traditional Zwiebelrostbraten

A classic German dish featuring tender beef roast topped with caramelized onions, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef roast (use a cut with good marbling like chuck for tenderness)
  • 3 large onions (they should be sweet; yellow or Vidalia are excellent choices)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for richness and flavor)
  • 1 cup beef broth (adds depth and moisture)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons flour (optional, for thickening the gravy)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim any excess fat from the roast and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Searing
  1. In a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef roast and sear it on all sides until deeply browned, about 10 minutes total.
Caramelizing Onions
  1. Remove the roast from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized and golden.
Deglazing
  1. Once the onions are nicely caramelized, sprinkle flour over them and stir. Add the beef broth, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Braising
  1. Return the seared roast to the pan, spooning some onions and sauce over the top. Cover tightly and braise in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
Serving
  1. Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices drizzled with the onion gravy and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color.

Notes

For maximum flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of red wine, garlic, and herbs overnight. If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply whisk in more flour or cornstarch mixed with water as needed during cooking. Leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.