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Cider Braised Pot Roast with Caramelized Onions and Cauliflower Rice

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This Cider Braised Pot Roast with caramelized onions, butternut squash, and brown butter sage cauliflower rice is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Tender, fall-apart beef is slow-cooked in apple cider and herbs, then served over rich, low-carb cauliflower rice infused with nutty brown butter and fresh sage. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for holidays, meal prep, or Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

  • For the Pot Roast:
  • 3–4 lb chuck roast (Black Angus Choice or similar)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups apple cider (not vinegar)
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • For the Cauliflower Rice:
  • 4 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sauté onions until golden and soft. Add 1 cup apple cider and let it reduce until syrupy.
  2. Sear the Roast: Season roast generously with salt and pepper. In a separate skillet (or the same pot if large enough), sear roast on all sides until deeply browned.
  3. Assemble: Layer caramelized onions at the bottom of a Dutch oven. Place roast on top, scatter squash around it, pour in remaining cider, and sprinkle with thyme and rosemary.
  4. Braise: Cover and roast in a 325°F oven for about 3 hours, or until meat is fork-tender.
  5. Prepare Cauliflower Rice: While roast finishes, brown butter in a skillet. Add sage and cauliflower rice. Sauté until tender and golden. Season to taste.
  6. Serve: Spoon cauliflower rice onto plates, top with roast, squash, and caramelized onions. Drizzle with pan juices if desired.

Notes

  • Add Root Veggies: Carrots or parsnips can be added with the squash.
  • Low Sugar Option: Reduce cider slightly and increase herbs and garlic.
  • Creamy Cauli-Rice: Stir in a splash of cream just before serving for extra richness.
  • Alternative Bases: Mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or farro work beautifully too.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/cider-braised-pot-roast-with-caramelized-onions-and-cauliflower-rice/