This Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory French onion sauce. With deep caramelized onion flavors, a luscious broth, and melt-in-your-mouth meat, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful – The combination of French onion soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, savory sauce.
- Effortless Cooking – Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
- Perfectly Tender Meat – The low and slow cooking method makes the beef incredibly soft and easy to shred.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Sear the Roast:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the roast to the slow cooker and sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
Add the Onions and Garlic:
- Place the sliced onions and minced garlic around and on top of the roast.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
Finish the Dish:
- Stir in butter at the end of cooking for added richness.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If a thicker gravy is desired, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir it into the liquid.
- Cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Serve:
- Slice or shred the roast and serve with the onion sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 420 kcal
Variations
- Different Cuts of Beef: Try using brisket or beef short ribs for a different texture.
- Extra Caramelization: Sauté the onions before adding them to the slow cooker for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms for extra umami and heartiness.
- Wine-Infused Sauce: Replace ½ cup of beef broth with dry red wine for a richer sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: Serve over toasted bread with melted gruyère for a French onion soup-inspired meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the pot roast and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sear the roast using the “Sauté” function, then add the ingredients and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 60 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes before opening.
What is the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Brisket or beef shoulder are great alternatives.
Can I skip searing the meat?
Searing adds extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get a delicious result.
How do I make homemade French onion soup?
Sauté 2 sliced onions in butter until caramelized, then add 2 cups beef broth, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Carrots, potatoes, and celery can be added to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure that the onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for thickening.
What side dishes pair well with this roast?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat gently before serving.
How do I prevent my roast from drying out?
Use enough liquid (broth and soup) and cook on LOW for the best results. Overcooking on HIGH can make the meat drier.
What can I do with leftovers?
Use the meat for sandwiches, tacos, or even a beef and onion soup. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast is a mouthwatering, comforting meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. With a rich, savory sauce and fall-apart tender beef, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread for a restaurant-quality experience at home!
Print
Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast is tender, juicy, and packed with rich, savory flavors. Slow-cooked in a flavorful French onion sauce, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Sear the Roast:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the roast.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Pour over the roast.
- Add sliced onions and minced garlic around and on top of the roast.
-
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
-
Enhance the Flavor:
- Stir in butter at the end of cooking for added richness.
-
Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If a thicker gravy is desired, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the pot roast with its rich onion sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add ½ cup red wine when whisking the broth mixture.
- Use homemade French onion soup instead of canned for a richer taste.
- Leftovers can be shredded and used for sandwiches or tacos.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420 kcal
