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    Home » Blog » Recipes

    French Onion Pot Roast

    Published: Aug 14, 2020 · Modified: Apr 16, 2023 by Amanda Cooks & Styles · This post may contain affiliate links · 57 Comments

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    French Onion Pot Roast - Tender and delicious pot roast recipe cooked to pull-apart perfection in a slow cooker layered with tender onions in a savory sauce. This pot roast is the ultimate easy comfort meal perfect for any night of the week!

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    french onion pot roast

    This melt in your mouth pot roast recipe is made using a beef chuck roast. It more than exceeded our expectations! It is super flavorful, tender and the best part is it is so easy to make.

    We served our French Onion Pot Roast with gravy from the broth it produced while cooking over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve this pot roast with your favorite steamed veggies, a baked potato, a fresh salad and more.

    french onion pot roast

    This recipe serves about 4-6 people depending on everyone's appetite. If you are cooking for a crowd, you can double the recipe. To store leftover pot roast: Store completely cooled pot roast in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

    Ingredients you need to make my Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast Recipe:

    Chuck Roast - You will need a 2 pound chuck roast for this recipe. It doesn't need to be exactly 2 pounds but close to that amount is good. Look for one with as little fat as possible. However, excess fat can be trimmed off.

    Red or Yellow Onion - You will need one large onion or equivalent to 2 cups thinly sliced. You can use white, yellow, red or sweet onion.

    Garlic Cloves - Fresh garlic is best in this recipe.

    White Wine Vinegar - If you don't have white wine vinegar, you can also use red wine vinegar.

    Worcestershire Sauce - This will be used in the sauce.

    Tomato Sauce - This will go into making the sauce to cook your roast in.

    Beef Broth - You will need 1 cup of beef broth.

    Salt - I used sea salt in this recipe, but you can use any salt you have on hand. This is used to season the chuck roast.

    Black Pepper - About a teaspoon of black pepper to season the chuck roast.

    Thyme - I used ½ teaspoon fresh chopped thyme, but you can also use ¼ teaspoon dried thyme.

    Parsley - Fresh chopped parsley is sprinkled on top of the pot roast at the end for a fresh flavorful touch (optional).

    Cornstarch/ All-Purpose Flour - You'll need about 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make gravy at the end.

    Tools to have on hand to make slow cooker pot roast:

    • Slow Cooker - You will need a slow cooker to make this recipe.
    • Measuring Cups + Spoons - To properly measure the ingredients for this recipe.
    • Cutting Board - To slice your onions and chop fresh herbs.
    • Chef Knife - To slice onions and chop fresh herbs.
    french onion pot roast

    How to make French Onion Pot Roast:

    In a small bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, thyme, worcestershire sauce and white wine vinegar.

    Trim any excess fat off of your chuck roast. Salt and pepper all sides of the roast.

    In the bottom of your slow cooker, add half of the sliced onions. Pour half the sauce over the onions. Place chuck roast on top of the onions and evenly sprinkle remaining onions on top. Pour remaining sauce on top.

    Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours. When ready, roast will be fork tender.

    Serve pot roast with gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley(optional). Enjoy!

    To make gravy for the pot roast: Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour per 1 cup of sauce from the slow cooker. Heat over low heat stirring frequently until sauce lightly thickens.

    **Recipe notes: Pro Tip! PRIOR TO MAKING GRAVY - IF YOUR SAUCE TURNS OUT GREASY(chuck roast is a fatty cut of meat), separate sauce from pot roast and pour into a tall clear container. Place in the fridge to allow the grease to float to the top of the container. It will lightly harden when separating from broth making it easier to separate. Then, scoop or ladle out the grease. Now, you have a nice grease-free broth to make your gravy with.

    How to make Pot Roast in the Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker:

    Cook on “high” or “manual” mode for 1 ½ hours. Let pressure release naturally when done (about 15 minutes). When done, shred beef with two forks.

    french onion pot roast

    My favorite side dishes to serve with pot roast:

    Creamy Mashed Potatoes - Easy, creamy, buttery mashed potatoes sprinkled with fresh parsley. When it comes to mashed potatoes, the more butter the better! Add a little cream cheese and sour cream and you have the most satisfying mashed potatoes. 

    Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes - Fresh rosemary and garlic baked red potatoes with a light golden crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

    Balsamic Glazed Carrots - Quick and easy balsamic glazed baby carrots with a hint of lemon and honey. These are perfect for a healthy side dish to pair with your lunch or dinner!

    french onion pot roast

    More slow cooker main course recipes I think you'll love:

    Slow Cooked Tender London Broil - This London broil recipe is super easy and absolutely melt in your mouth delicious. The flavor is slightly sweet but mostly savory. If you are looking for a tender, pull-apart London broil recipe that takes very little effort from start to finish, look no further!

    Slow Cooker Tender Short Ribs - English cut short ribs seared in a cast iron skillet then cooked low and slow in a red wine sauce.

    Crockpot Italian Meatballs - Homemade Italian meatballs are the perfect easy weeknight meal cooked low and slow in your slow cooker. Serve on a bed of warm spaghetti or on toasty buns for a delicious meatball sandwich.

    french onion pot roast
    french onion pot roast

    French Onion Pot Roast

    Amanda Cooks & Styles
    Tender and delicious pot roast recipe cooked to pull-apart perfection in a slow cooker layered with tender onions in a savory sauce.
    4.97 from 61 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 7 hours hrs
    Total Time 7 hours hrs
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lb Chuck Roast
    • 2 cups Red or Yellow Onion thinly sliced
    • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
    • 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • ¼ cup Tomato Sauce
    • 1 cup Beef Broth
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
    • ½ teaspoon Fresh Thyme chopped, or ¼ teaspoon dried
    • 2 teaspoon Fresh Parsley chopped
    • 1-2 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, thyme, worcestershire sauce and white wine vinegar.
    • Trim any excess fat off of your chuck roast. Salt and pepper all sides of the roast.
    • In the bottom of your slow cooker, add half of the sliced onions. Pour half the sauce over the onions. Place chuck roast on top of the onions and evenly sprinkle remaining onions on top. Pour remaining sauce on top.
    • Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours. When ready, roast will be fork tender.
    • To make gravy for the pot roast: Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or all-purpose flour per 1 cup of sauce from the slow cooker. Heat over low heat stirring frequently until sauce lightly thickens.
    • Serve pot roast with gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley(optional). Enjoy!

    Notes

    **Recipe notes: Pro Tip! PRIOR TO MAKING GRAVY - IF YOUR SAUCE/BROTH TURNS OUT GREASY AFTER COOKING(as chuck roast is a very fatty cut of meat), separate sauce from pot roast and pour into a tall clear container. Place in the fridge to allow the grease to float to the top of the container. It will lightly harden when separating from broth making it easier to separate. Then, scoop or ladle out the grease. Now, you have a nice grease-free broth to make your gravy with.
    Keyword crockpot chuck roast recipe, french onion pot roast, slow cooker pot roast with onions
    Tried this recipe?LET US KNOW how it was!

    Thank you for stopping by! If you tried this recipe, please don't forget to leave a review.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Paul Grimes

      September 17, 2023 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      Made as directed in the menu, itsa keeper!! Pot licking good!!

      Reply
    2. Paige

      September 02, 2023 at 11:33 pm

      5 stars
      This has been my go-to recipe for ages now! Delicious! I like to add in mushrooms and carrots 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        September 03, 2023 at 7:27 am

        Hi Paige! Thanks for your review! I'm so happy you enjoy it :)Amanda

        Reply
    3. Sydney

      July 11, 2023 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight for dinner but I used a sirloin tip roast as I couldn’t find a Chuck, it was fantastic! My daughters ate it right up and my roommate absolutely loved it! My gravy didn’t thicken for some reason, did about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Will definitely make again! 10/10

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        July 12, 2023 at 5:54 am

        Hi Sydney! Thank you for your kind review! :)Amanda

        Reply
      • Christie

        August 19, 2023 at 6:10 pm

        5 stars
        Very easy and tasty! Everyone ate it, even my picky daughter.

        Reply
    4. Kelley

      July 09, 2023 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this for dinner tonight, it was very tasty and so simple to make!! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        July 10, 2023 at 6:16 am

        Thank you so much for your review, Kelley!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. :)Amanda

        Reply
    5. Holly

      May 30, 2023 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is my go to recipe for chuck roast! There is so much flavour, it’s incredibly easy to make and it pairs nicely with mashed potatoes! Yummy!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        May 31, 2023 at 6:02 am

        Hi Holly! I'm so happy you enjoy this recipe! thank you for your review. :)Amanda

        Reply
    6. Amber Kiecker

      May 13, 2023 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe! I used a steak seasoning on the roast instead of just salt & pepper the rest I stuck to the recipe. Very fragrant & was delicious! Everyone loved it! Will make again!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        May 14, 2023 at 5:43 am

        Hi Amber! I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for your kind review!! :)Amanda

        Reply
    7. Madeline Villani

      April 16, 2023 at 12:37 pm

      I see the recipe calls for red onions, but those aren’t red onions in the photos?? Wondering what difference it will make since you’ve made it with both

      Reply
    8. Edie

      January 25, 2023 at 9:24 am

      Can I use this with other cuts of beef. I have a rump roast and am not sure if these roasts can be used interchangeably.

      Reply
    9. Pamela

      January 15, 2023 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing!! My entire family loved it!

      Reply
    10. Kari

      November 12, 2022 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      So very good!! My family LOVED it. Probably my go to pot roast recipe now. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        November 13, 2022 at 12:32 pm

        Hi Kari! I'm so happy you and your family enjoyed this roast! :)Amanda

        Reply
    11. Rose

      October 07, 2022 at 11:09 am

      5 stars
      I have been searching for crockpot recipes that are actually good and not just "meh". This one hit the spot for our picky household! I'll be honest....I wasn't convinced that it was going to be yummy because I couldn't really smell it (only slightly) throughout the house while it cooked. I thought it was going to be bland just based off of that. Boy were we happily surprised!

      This one is going in the book as a monthly meal, for sure!

      I added more fresh thyme than it called for because we absolutely love the thyme flavor, and some more fresh garlic because well...yum! But that is all we did differently and it turned out pretty amazing!

      It fell apart nicely once it was done, and this was actually pretty simple to put together. Perfect for the hectic family life!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        October 08, 2022 at 6:26 am

        Hi Rose, Thank you so much for the nice review! :)Amanda

        Reply
    12. Angel

      October 03, 2022 at 9:55 pm

      4 stars
      I think messed up by using chuck I unfortunately got a Lol confused on what I pulled out of freezer whoops! Still turned out pretty good and easy to make whole family liked it I was just wondering if you had any tips on the gravy my came out a little lumpy

      Reply
    13. Jessie Metcalf

      September 19, 2022 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so good! I accidentally added one cup of flour instead of what the recipe said I completely misread it, but I just kept adding a bunch of Beef broth to fix the issue lol but other than that, it was amazing!!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        September 20, 2022 at 8:06 am

        Hi Jessie! Thank you for the review!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. :)Amanda

        Reply
    14. Erin Rock-Ballard

      September 18, 2022 at 5:47 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! The only thing I altered was I subbed half of the beef broth for beer, used a very hoppy IPA. And added lots of mushrooms of course! Came out wonderful!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        October 08, 2022 at 6:27 am

        Hi Erin! Thank you for the review. Those additions sound yummy! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Melissa

      August 28, 2022 at 10:09 am

      Will the flavor be the same
      using sweet onion instead of Red onion?

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        August 29, 2022 at 6:52 am

        Yes 🙂

        Reply
    16. Chelsea

      August 16, 2022 at 8:15 am

      Was wondering if there is just an oven recipe for this my crock broke and i wanna try it so bad.

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        August 17, 2022 at 6:49 am

        Hi Chelsea! You can make this recipe in the oven at 250 degrees for about 2 1/2 hours. Be sure to bake in an oven-safe dish with lid or covered in foil. :)Amanda

        Reply
        • Ashley

          December 20, 2022 at 3:13 am

          How long would I cook this for in an instant pot??

          Reply
          • Amanda Cooks & Styles

            December 21, 2022 at 6:41 am

            Hi Ashley! Cook on “high” or “manual” mode for 1 1/2 hours. Let pressure release naturally when done (about 15 minutes). When done, shred beef with two forks.

            Reply
    17. Katherine

      February 15, 2022 at 11:55 pm

      4 stars
      I’ve been feeling depressed lately, so I wanted something easy and manageable. The best thing was coming home from a long shift and having this delicious smell floating down the hall. I definitely had to use more seasonings but it was hearty and delicious and really feeling. The best part? I’m getting at least five meals out of this, so I get to bring lunch to work for my best friend. Thank you for making something delicious that really made my day!

      Reply
    18. KP

      August 21, 2021 at 4:44 am

      5 stars
      Tried this today - it was delicious and so easy. This will be a great cold weather comfort meal at my house! Thanks for posting.

      Reply
    19. Shanin

      May 27, 2021 at 10:56 am

      This sounds so amazing! Have you ever done this as a freeze ahead meal?

      Reply
    20. Ken

      May 18, 2021 at 2:33 pm

      I saw this last evening and it looked so good that I had to try it today. Had a chuck roast in the freezer, put it in the refrigerator overnight, in the morning I trimmed the fat off and sliced it 1/4 inch thick on a bias. The roast was still partially frozen so it was easy to do. I followed your recipe, the only thing I did differently was I used chives on the potatoes. It tastes amazing, my wife said don’t loose this recipe. Can’t wait to try it on rice or noodles.

      Reply
    21. Lori

      March 16, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      My daughter shared this recipe with me. Made this and it is amazing!! Not sure how to add a pic...but it even looks pretty!

      Reply
      • Ginger

        April 22, 2021 at 6:14 am

        Amanda, if you dbl the recipe, will the cooking time be the same? Want to try!!

        Reply
        • Amanda Cooks & Styles

          April 23, 2021 at 8:20 am

          Hi Ginger,

          Check the meat at normal time, if it isn't pull-apart tender, cover and cook for another hour or so. :)Amanda

          Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        May 02, 2021 at 9:25 am

        Hi Lori! Thank you so much for the 5 star review! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂

        Reply
    22. Brittany

      February 14, 2021 at 9:36 am

      Making this right now... its only been an hour and I can already smell how amazing it's going to be.

      Reply
    23. Michelle

      February 09, 2021 at 2:59 pm

      5 stars
      Made this last night and it was a hit with everyone including my picky 11yr old! Will definitely be making this again.

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        May 02, 2021 at 9:26 am

        Hi Michelle! Wow! So happy you and your family enjoyed this recipe ! :)Amanda

        Reply
    24. Beth

      January 17, 2021 at 7:59 am

      If the roast is starting at the frozen stage, how long should it cook in the crockpot?
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        January 18, 2021 at 5:36 am

        Hi Beth! I haven't tried this recipe using a frozen roast, but I think 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high would do the trick for a frozen roast. :)Amanda

        Reply
    25. Jordynn

      January 11, 2021 at 12:37 pm

      Do the onions go in the gravy? Or separate them out?

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        January 11, 2021 at 1:05 pm

        Hi Jordynn, you can separate them out. :)Amanda

        Reply
    26. Heather

      January 06, 2021 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Had for dinner tonight - absolutely amazing!!! I was out of tomato sauce so I had to make my own real quick last minute but it was absolutely amazing. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        January 11, 2021 at 1:05 pm

        Hi Heather! So happy you enjoyed it! :)Amanda

        Reply
      • Vanessa

        August 28, 2022 at 8:00 pm

        Any suggestions for InstaPot? i.e. time/temp? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Amanda Cooks & Styles

          August 29, 2022 at 6:54 am

          Hi Vanessa, Here are the instant pot/pressure cooker instructions: Cook on “high” or “manual” mode for 1 1/2 hours. Let pressure release naturally when done (about 15 minutes). When done, shred beef with two forks.

          Reply
    27. Serena

      December 16, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      Please update this with specific measurements for how much tomato sauce, garlic, vinegar and worchestershire sauce.

      Reply
      • Amanda Cooks & Styles

        December 16, 2020 at 3:06 pm

        Hi Serena, The measurements are all listed above in the recipe card. 3 Garlic Cloves minced, 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce. (:Amanda

        Reply
      • Brittany

        February 14, 2021 at 9:35 am

        I hope you scrolled all the way down past the blog post to find the recipe...

        Reply
    28. Nancy

      November 20, 2020 at 12:02 pm

      Can you cook this in an instant pot?

      Reply
      • Amy W.

        November 28, 2020 at 7:39 am

        https://www.popsugar.com/food/Slow-Cooker-Instant-Pot-Conversion-43823473/amp

        Hope the link helps. I had to google this question because I wanted to know as well. This recipe looks amazing.

        Reply
    29. Vonna

      November 20, 2020 at 8:12 am

      Is there a pressure cooker version of this recipe?

      Reply
      • Brandi

        January 15, 2021 at 10:12 am

        5 stars
        This recipe was a huge hit with my family. The roast was so tender, and the gravy was so flavorful. I added carrots to the slow cooker to add some quick vegetables to the meal. I have been eating the leftovers as a roast sandwich every single day.

        Reply
    30. Linda Brooks

      August 25, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! Can't wait to try this.

      Reply

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