Why You’ll Fall for This Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a delightful dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. This recipe combines the rich flavors of tender beef with sweet onions and a savory broth. The slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Plus, the hands-off cooking style lets you focus on your day while your meal cooks to perfection.

Easy Steps to Create This Delicious Meal

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb chuck roast (well-marbled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning, optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or more broth)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Start by peeling and slicing the yellow and sweet onions into thin rings. Mince the garlic.
2. Set your crock pot to high. Add the butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar into the pot. Give it a stir, cover it, and cook for 20–30 minutes until the onions soften and start to caramelize. Alternatively, you can sauté the onions in a skillet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to the crock pot.
3. While the onions cook, pat the chuck roast dry and season it with salt and pepper. If you wish, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 2–3 minutes on each side until it turns a deep brown.
4. Once the onions are caramelized, place the roast on top of the onions in the crock pot. Sprinkle thyme and bay leaves over everything.
5. Pour in the beef broth, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Make sure the roast is partially submerged; add more broth if necessary.
6. Set the crock pot to low and cook for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and easily shreds. Check it after about 7 hours to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
7. Remove the roast and tent it with foil to keep it warm. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir this mixture into the crock pot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes to thicken the gravy.
8. Allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Return the meat to the crock pot and spoon the onion gravy over the top.
9. For an extra touch, sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy hot right from the crock pot or transfer to a serving platter.

Serving Up the Flavor

This Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast is perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a simple green salad. The rich gravy is also great over rice or even crusty bread for soaking it all up.

Storing Leftovers for Future Enjoyment

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat carefully on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.

Tips for Making the Most of This Dish

• Searing the Roast: While optional, searing the roast before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor and gives a nice texture.
• Add a Kick: For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when cooking.
• Extra Gravy: If you like a lot of gravy, consider increasing the broth and wine quantities.

Variations to Try

• Herb Twist: Use different herbs like rosemary or oregano to mix things up.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to throw in some carrots or potatoes for a complete meal in one pot.

Nutritional Information

(Note: This section will vary based on specific ingredients used. Always check your ingredient labels for exact nutritional content.)

Perfect Pairings for Your Family Dinner

Serve this hearty pot roast with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread. A fresh green salad can provide a nice balance, adding crunch and freshness.

Suggested Accompaniments

Consider pairing this dish with a nice glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a simple iced tea for a refreshing drink option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, while chuck roast is ideal, you can use brisket or round for similar results.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Once cooled, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

How do I adjust cooking time for a larger roast?
If using a larger roast, increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours on low, depending on the size. Always check for tenderness.

Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

A delightful dish that combines tender beef with sweet onions and savory broth, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 9 hours hrs

Total Time 9 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Beef and Seasoning

• 3–4 lb chuck roast (well-marbled) Ideal cut for pot roast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 2 pieces bay leaves

Onions and Aromatics

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Flavor Enhancers

• 1.5 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or more broth)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Thickening and Garnishes

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening, optional
• 3 tablespoons cold water For thickening, optional
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese Optional topping
• as needed Chopped fresh parsley For garnish

Optional Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning, optional

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Start by peeling and slicing the yellow and sweet onions into thin rings. Mince the garlic.

Cooking Onions

• Set your crock pot to high. Add the butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar into the pot. Stir, cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes until the onions soften and start to caramelize.
• Alternatively, sauté the onions in a skillet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to the crock pot.

Preparing the Roast

• While the onions cook, pat the chuck roast dry and season it with salt and pepper. If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 2–3 minutes on each side until it turns a deep brown.

Combining Ingredients

• Once the onions are caramelized, place the roast on top of the onions in the crock pot. Sprinkle thyme and bay leaves over everything.
• Pour in the beef broth, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure the roast is partially submerged; add more broth if necessary.

Slow Cooking

• Set the crock pot to low and cook for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and easily shreds. Check it after about 7 hours to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Finishing Up

• Remove the roast and tent it with foil to keep it warm. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir this mixture into the crock pot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes to thicken the gravy.
• Allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Return the meat to the crock pot and spoon the onion gravy over the top.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat carefully on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Searing the roast before cooking enhances flavor and texture.

Keyword Comfort Food, Crock Pot, French Onion, pot roast, Slow Cooker