Memaw's Savory Country Chuck Roast with Caramelized Onion Gravy
This cherished recipe hails from my great grandmother and has been passed down through generations, holding a special place in our family gatherings. My Memaw used to serve this delectable chuck roast during special occasions, accompanied by fluffy mashed potatoes, crisp cole slaw, and vibrant green beans, all sourced fresh from her garden. The secret ingredient, a touch of brown sugar, adds a delightful sweetness that enhances the savory flavors of the roast, creating a truly divine dish. Each tender bite combined with the rich onion gravy will have your loved ones asking for seconds, keeping the cherished tradition alive. Perfect for Sunday dinners and holiday feasts alike.
N/A
Servings
356
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chuck roast
4 lbs (Trim excess fat and season)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (For seasoning the roast)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning the roast and gravy)
Black pepper
To taste (For seasoning the roast and gravy)
Onion
1 large (Peeled and left whole)
Water
5 cups (For the gravy)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (For thickening the gravy)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare your roasting pan by placing the whole onion in the center.
2
Rub the salt, black pepper, and brown sugar generously over all sides of the chuck roast, ensuring an even coating.
3
Place the seasoned roast on top of the onion in the roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
4
After 15 minutes, carefully flip the roast over and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes.
5
While the roast is cooking, whisk together the water, flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
6
After the initial roasting time, pour the flour mixture into the roasting pan around the roast, ensuring the onion remains in place.
7
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and roast for 2 hours, or for 3 hours at 300°F (149°C), flipping the roast halfway through cooking.
8
Check periodically; if the roast appears to be drying out, cover the pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
9
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Chop the onion finely and stir it into the gravy before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
27g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Memaw's Savory Country Chuck Roast?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, featuring a tender 4 lb chuck roast served with a rich caramelized onion gravy.
What makes this chuck roast recipe unique?
The secret ingredient is a touch of brown sugar, which adds a delightful sweetness that enhances the savory flavors of the beef.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) for the initial roasting phase.
How do I prepare the roasting pan?
Place one large, whole, peeled onion in the center of the roasting pan before adding the meat.
What seasonings are used for the chuck roast?
The roast is seasoned generously with salt, black pepper, and one tablespoon of brown sugar.
How long is the initial roasting period?
The roast is cooked at 450°F for 15 minutes, then flipped and roasted for another 15 minutes.
What are the ingredients for the onion gravy?
The gravy is made using 5 cups of water, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the caramelized onion from the pan.
When do I add the flour mixture to the pan?
Pour the flour and water mixture into the roasting pan after the initial 30 minutes of high-heat roasting.
What temperature should the oven be reduced to for slow roasting?
You should reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) for a 2-hour roast or 300°F (149°C) for a 3-hour roast.
Do I need to flip the roast during the slow roasting phase?
Yes, you should flip the roast halfway through the 2 or 3-hour cooking period.
How can I prevent the chuck roast from drying out?
If the roast appears to be drying out during cooking, cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
What do I do with the whole onion once the meat is cooked?
Remove the onion from the pan, chop it finely, and stir it back into the gravy before serving.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
This roast is traditionally served with fluffy mashed potatoes, crisp cole slaw, and fresh green beans.
How many calories are in one serving of this roast?
There are approximately 356 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 20g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
This chuck roast provides approximately 23g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for both Sunday dinners and holiday feasts.
How large should the chuck roast be?
The recipe calls for a 4 lb chuck roast with the excess fat trimmed.
Should the onion be chopped before roasting?
No, the onion should be peeled and left whole during the roasting process, and only chopped at the very end.
How much water is needed for the gravy base?
You will need 5 cups of water to whisk with the flour and seasonings.
What kind of flour is used for the gravy?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for thickening the gravy.
Should I let the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I cook this roast at 300°F?
Yes, if you prefer a slower cook, you can roast it at 300°F for 3 hours instead of 350°F for 2 hours.
Who originally created this recipe?
This recipe originated from the author's great grandmother and was passed down to their Memaw.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients: chuck roast, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, onion, water, and flour.
Is the onion gravy homemade?
Yes, the gravy is made from scratch using the pan drippings, water, flour, and the caramelized onion.
What is the preparation for the chuck roast?
Trim the excess fat and season it generously with the salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
Does the recipe require a specific type of roasting pan?
Any standard roasting pan large enough to hold a 4 lb roast and the gravy liquid will work.
What are the key flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory and hearty, with a subtle sweetness from the brown sugar and a rich depth from the caramelized onions.