Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or any gathering. It combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and tender roast beef, creating a savory meal that everyone will enjoy. Using a crock pot makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it while the roast cooks to perfection.
How to Make Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast
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
- Peel and slice the yellow and sweet onions into thin rings. Mince the garlic.
- Set the crock pot to high. Add the butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir, cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes until the onions soften and start to caramelize. If you prefer, you can sauté the onions in a skillet for 10 minutes and then transfer them to the crock pot.
- Pat the chuck roast dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 2–3 minutes on each side until it is deep brown (this step is optional).
- Once the onions are caramelized, nestle the roast on top 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, adding more broth if needed.
- 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 shreds easily. Check after 7 hours.
- Remove the roast and tent with foil. Skim the excess fat from the liquid in the crock pot. Mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crock pot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Return it to the crock pot and spoon onion gravy over the top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot, either straight from the crock pot or on a serving platter.
How to Serve Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Serve this delicious pot roast with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over rice to soak up the rich onion gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. This dish is great for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
How to Store Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Place the roast and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pot roast in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast
- For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of cognac or brandy to the onions during cooking.
- If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth.
- For a thicker gravy, ensure you mix the cornstarch well with water before adding it to the crock pot.
Variation
You can make a French Onion Pot Roast with different cuts of beef like a round roast or brisket if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I cook this on the stove instead of in a crock pot?
Yes, you can cook this in a Dutch oven on the stove. Follow the same steps for browning and then cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours until tender.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as alternatives, though the flavor may differ slightly.
How do I reheat leftover pot roast?
Reheat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth if necessary to keep it moist.
Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and slice the yellow and sweet onions into thin rings. Mince the garlic.
- Set the crock pot to high. Add the butter, onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir, cover, and cook for 20–30 minutes until the onions soften and start to caramelize. Alternatively, sauté the onions in a skillet for 10 minutes and then transfer to the crock pot.
- Pat the chuck roast dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast for 2–3 minutes on each side until it is deep brown (this step is optional).
- Once the onions are caramelized, nestle the roast on top 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, adding more broth if needed.
- 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 shreds easily. Check after 7 hours.
- Remove the roast and tent with foil. Skim the excess fat from the liquid in the crock pot. Mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crock pot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Return it to the crock pot and spoon onion gravy over the top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot, either straight from the crock pot or on a serving platter.