Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

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Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal with minimal effort, this Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast is the perfect choice.

Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Infused with the rich flavors of caramelized onions, herbs, and tender beef, it’s a dish that warms the soul. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

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:

  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 and 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. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into crock pot. Cook on high, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes until gravy thickens.
  8. Let roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Return to crock pot and spoon onion gravy over the top.
  9. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot, straight from the crock pot or on a serving platter.
Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 8–9 hours to cook on low, making a total of around 8–9 hours and 20 minutes. It serves 6 people and each serving has approximately 450 calories, 35 grams of protein, and 25 grams of fat.

How To Serve Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Serve the pot roast hot, layered with its rich onion gravy. It pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How To Store Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze the pot roast for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips To Make Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

  • If you’re short on time, skip browning the roast—just season it before adding to the crock pot.
  • For extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, in addition to the thyme.
  • Experiment with different cheeses. A blend of Gruyère and Swiss can add a delightful flavor.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This recipe is rich in protein, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that supports muscle health. The onions offer essential vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants. Using low-sodium broth helps to keep the sodium levels in check, making this pot roast a healthier option compared to many store-bought alternatives.

Variation (If Any)

You can easily make this recipe more nutritious by adding carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more veggies and flavor. Using a leaner cut of meat, like a round roast, will also reduce the overall fat content.

FAQs

  1. Can I cook this pot roast on high?

    • Yes, you can cook it on high for 5–6 hours if you’re short on time.

  2. What can I use instead of beef broth?

    • You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as alternatives.

  3. Is there a substitute for white wine?

    • You can replace white wine with more beef broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.

  4. How do I know when the roast is done?

    • It’s done when it’s fork-tender and can be easily shredded.

  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    • Yes, replace the Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free cornstarch.

  6. What can I serve with this pot roast?

    • It goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a hearty bread to soak up the gravy.

  7. Can I omit the cheese?

    • Absolutely! The pot roast is delicious on its own, but cheese adds a nice touch if you want it.