This Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast is a cozy meal that’s full of flavor and super easy to make! With tender beef, sweet onions, and savory broth, it warms you right up!
Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that tasty juice—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you can’t find it, try a brisket or round roast instead, but keep in mind these may have different flavors and textures.
Onions: Sweet yellow onions work best for caramelizing, giving a sweeter flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use white onions, but they’ll be a bit sharper. Red onions can also be used, adding a nice color.
Beef Broth: This adds richness to the dish. If you want a lighter flavor, chicken broth works too! For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
White Wine: It adds depth to the flavor but is optional. If you’re avoiding alcohol, just add more beef broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Baby Potatoes and Carrots: These are classic additions for a hearty meal. Feel free to swap in other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for a different twist.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions elevates the flavor of your roast. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
- Add in the thinly sliced onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally.
- Patience is key! Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. This slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness.
- In the last few minutes, add minced garlic to enhance the flavor.
Remember, don’t rush this step! Caramelized onions add so much to your dish.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Gravy?
If you want a thicker gravy, here’s what to do:
- Once you’ve removed the roast and veggies, pour the liquid into a saucepan.
- Simmer it over medium heat to reduce it and thicken naturally.
- For a quicker fix, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the simmering liquid until it thickens.
Both methods provide a lovely gravy to serve over your roast—experiment to see which you like best!
Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Flavor:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
For The Sides:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of either 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that you can set and forget until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Roast:
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Searing the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned roast and sear it on all sides until a nice brown crust forms—about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the roast from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Caramelizing the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, which should take about 15-20 minutes. In the last minute or two of cooking, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Combining Flavors:
Now, add the tomato paste to the caramelized onions and stir well for another minute. This will deepen the flavor of the onions.
5. Setting Up the Crockpot:
Transfer the caramelized onion mixture to the crockpot. Place the seared roast right on top of the onions.
6. Adding the Juices:
Pour the beef broth and white wine (if using) around the roast, followed by the Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme and bay leaves on top for extra flavor.
7. Adding Vegetables:
Scatter the halved baby potatoes and chunks of carrots around the roast in the crockpot, so they soak up all the yummy flavors as they cook.
8. Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is tender and can easily be shredded.
9. Serving:
Once cooked, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the crockpot and place them on a serving platter. Discard the bay leaves.
10. Thickening the Gravy (Optional):
If you want a thicker gravy, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to a gravy-like consistency. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering liquid until thickened.
11. Enjoying Your Meal:
Slice the pot roast, serve it alongside the vegetables, and spoon the onion gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast?
It’s best to thaw the roast before cooking for even cooking. You can safely thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the quick method of submerging it in cold water in a sealed plastic bag. Never place a frozen roast directly in the crockpot, as it can take too long to reach a safe temperature.
What Can I Substitute for the White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, simply add an extra cup of beef broth or a splash of vinegar (like red wine or apple cider vinegar) to maintain acidity without the alcohol. This will still give your dish a rich flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like celery, parsnips, or even green beans. Just be mindful of cooking times—it’s best to cut them into similar sizes to baby potatoes and carrots for even cooking.
