Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

why make this recipe

This Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast gives you tender beef and sweet caramelized onions with little work. The slow cooker does the hard part. You get deep flavor, rich gravy, and a meal that feeds a family. If you like classic French onion taste with roast beef, this is a simple way to make it. For a different roast idea, see this juicy roast chicken guide: Juicy Roast Chicken — A Culinary Delight.

introduction

This recipe uses a well-marbled chuck roast, lots of onions, and slow heat to make meat that falls apart. You can sear the roast first or skip searing for an easier start. The onions cook down and taste sweet and rich. The gravy makes every bite better. For a tasty onion sauce twist, check this take on Sweet Onion Sauce: Subway Sweet Onion Sauce — Taste the Magic at Home.

how to make Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Follow the steps below. Use low heat for the best texture, or use high if you are short on time. Check the roast near the end so it does not overcook. Rest the meat before slicing so it stays juicy.

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. Peel and slice yellow and sweet onions into thin rings. Mince garlic.
2. Set crock pot to high. Add butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir, cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes until onions soften and start to caramelize. (Alternatively, sauté onions in a skillet for 10 minutes and transfer.)
3. Pat chuck roast dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear roast for 2–3 minutes per side until deep brown (optional).
4. Once onions are caramelized, nestle the roast on top in the crock pot. Sprinkle thyme and bay leaves over everything.
5. Pour in beef broth, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure roast is partially submerged; add more broth if needed.
6. Set crock pot to low and cook for 8–9 hours, or high for 5–6 hours, until roast is fork-tender and shreds easily. Check after 7 hours.
7. Remove roast and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from liquid.
8. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into crock pot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until gravy thickens.
9. Let roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Return to crock pot and spoon onion gravy over the top.
10. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot, straight from the crock pot or on a serving platter.

how to serve Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Serve the roast with lots of the onion gravy spooned on top. It goes well with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also put sliced roast on rolls for sandwiches. For a side that pairs well, try roasted vegetables or a green salad. See another idea for roasting beyond just chicken: The Rotisserie’s True Potential — Beyond Chicken.

how to store Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Cool to room temperature within two hours. Put roast and gravy in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently on low in the crock pot or in a pot on the stove until hot.

tips to make Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

• Use a well-marbled chuck roast for best flavor and tenderness.
• Sear the meat first for more flavor, but you can skip it to save time.
• Let the roast rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
• If the gravy is thin, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir in, then cook uncovered until thick.
• Taste the gravy before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Use low heat for a tender result; high heat works in a pinch but may be less tender.

variation

• Add mushrooms with the onions for more depth.
• Swap the white wine for more beef broth if you prefer no alcohol.
• Use balsamic reduction or add a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor.
• Top with different cheeses like cheddar for a different taste.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to sear the roast first?
A: No. Searing adds flavor and color, but the roast will still be tasty if you skip searing. The crock pot will make it tender either way.

Q: Can I make this without wine?
A: Yes. Replace the wine with extra beef broth. The roast will still taste rich.

Q: How do I thicken the gravy if it is thin?
A: Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the hot liquid and cook uncovered on high until it thickens, about 10–15 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different cut of meat?
A: Chuck roast is best for slow cooking. Brisket or shoulder can work but adjust times if needed.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: In the fridge, 3–4 days. In the freezer, up to 3 months in a proper container.

Conclusion

If you want another version or extra ideas for French onion pot roast, check this Soul Warming French Onion Pot Roast Recipe by Little Spice Jar for related tips and flavor notes: Soul Warming French Onion Pot Roast Recipe | Little Spice Jar (https://www.littlespicejar.com/french-onion-pot-roast/)

Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

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• Author: kaoucheegmail-com
• Total Time: 555 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

Tender beef and sweet caramelized onions slow-cooked to perfection, served with rich gravy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice yellow and sweet onions into thin rings. Mince garlic.
2. Set crock pot to high. Add butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir, cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes until onions soften and start to caramelize.
3. Pat chuck roast dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear roast for 2–3 minutes per side until deep brown (optional).
4. Once onions are caramelized, nestle the roast on top in the crock pot. Sprinkle thyme and bay leaves over everything.
5. Pour in beef broth, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure roast is partially submerged; add more broth if needed.
6. Set crock pot to low and cook for 8–9 hours, or high for 5–6 hours, until roast is fork-tender and shreds easily. Check after 7 hours.
7. Remove roast and tent with foil. Skim excess fat from liquid.
8. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into crock pot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until gravy thickens.
9. Let roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Return to crock pot and spoon onion gravy over the top.
10. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Let the roast rest before slicing to keep it juicy. The gravy can be thickened with cornstarch if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 540 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: crock pot, pot roast, french onion, slow cooker, comfort food