Description
This Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights and busy weeknights alike. Tender beef melds beautifully with sweet caramelized onions, creating a rich flavor reminiscent of traditional French onion soup. This effortless dish allows you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal prep—just set it and let the slow cooker work its magic. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply looking for an easy meal prep idea, this pot roast delivers maximum flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 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
- 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 apple vinegar (or more broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the yellow and sweet onions; mince the garlic.
- In the slow cooker, combine onions, garlic, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Cook on high for 20–30 minutes until softened.
- Pat the chuck roast dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Add seared roast to the crock pot atop caramelized onions along with thyme and bay leaves.
- Pour in beef broth and ensure the roast is partially submerged.
- Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours until fork-tender.
- For a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the cooking liquid, cooking on high without a lid for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–9 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg