Description
This Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast recipe delivers tender chuck roast simmered with caramelized onions, herbs, and a rich beef broth. It’s an easy, comforting, make-ahead meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy Sunday suppers. Best served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
3 pounds chuck roast
3 large yellow onions, sliced
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden, about 15–20 minutes.
3. Transfer the onions to the slow cooker. Place the seared roast on top of the onions.
4. Add garlic, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
6. Optional: To thicken the gravy, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with 1/2 cup of the hot broth. Stir the mixture back into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Remove the bay leaf, shred the beef if desired, and serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.
Notes
This roast is even better the next day after the flavors meld.
If using fresh thyme, double the amount for best flavor.
Add mushrooms or a splash of red wine for a variation on the classic.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg