Step 1

Remove chuck roast from the refrigerator and sprinkle with salt all over. Leave at room temperature for 45 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Step 3

Mix together 2 tbsp of olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes, and brush the mixture onto the chuck roast.

Step 4

Preheat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high with the remaining olive oil. Sear the roast on all sides; this should take about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the roast to a roasting pan.

Step 5

In the same skillet, saute onions for about 5-6 minutes until they become tender. Add in the garlic and saute for another minute until fragrant. Pour the onions and garlic over the roast.

Step 6

Loosely cover the roast with foil or a roasting pan lid. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the inside of the roast reaches 125 degrees for a medium-rare cook.

Step 7

Let the roast rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.