Beef Roast in Pinot Noir Sauce

Beef chuck is an overlooked cut of meat. But, it's inexpensive. It's a great way to serve a family very inexpensively. If it's not cooked correctly, however, it can be stringy or tough. But, this recipe cooks this cut low and slow, until it's tender and full of flavor. We have dressed up this exquisite piece of meat with fresh thyme and caramelized shallots and a rich red wine sauce to push this dish over the edge of decadence.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3  lbs  beef  chuck roast
• 1⁄2 lb shallot
• 1  cup  pinot noir wine
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 2  teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  granulated onion
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  granulated garlic
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1⁄8 cup olive oil
• 3  cups beef broth
• 2  tablespoons flour
• 3  tablespoons water
• 3  tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
2. Trim the roast of excess fat. Add olive oil to a large pot or roasting pan and heat over medium-high heat. Place roast in a large pot and sear on all sides. This will take about one minute per side. Then remove the roast and set aside. Then, sprinkle the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and thyme onto the roast. Make sure you cover all sides with seasonings.
3. Cut shallots in half and remove skins. Next, add the shallots to the pot and cook until browned. Remove the shallots and set aside.
4. Add red wine to the juices from the onions and the seared meat. Continue to cook on high heat while removing any browned bits. Once the pot is deglazed remove all of the juices into a saucepot.
5. Place shallots and roast into roasting pan and place in the preheated oven. Roast for one hour per pound of roast. So, a three-pound roast will cook for three hours. The goal is for a tender roast that is just falling apart.
6. Meanwhile, in the saucepot, stir together beef broth and Pinot Noir. Bring to a rolling boil and hold at a boil for 6-8 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 2 cups.
7. After the roast is cooked, place on a serving platter and cover with aluminum foil to help keep it warm. Arrange shallots around the roast.
8. Add wine mixture to the pan, and place over medium heat, stirring to release the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water until smooth, then stir into the sauce in the roasting pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Add butter, stirring just until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Pour the sauce over the roast and shallots and serve.