French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Pot Roast is a comforting twist on classic pot roast, infused with rich caramelized onions and savory herbs. This slow-cooked dish delivers tender beef in a flavorful gravy, perfect for a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lb Chuck Roast
• 2 cups Red or Yellow Onion (thinly sliced)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped, or 1/4 tsp dried)
• 2 tsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 1-2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (or cornstarch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and white wine vinegar.
2. Step 2: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and season all sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Place half of the sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the onions. Lay the chuck roast on top of the onions, then evenly spread the remaining onions over the roast. Pour the remaining sauce on top.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours, until the roast is fork tender.
5. Step 5: To make the gravy, remove the roast and onions from the slow cooker. For every cup of cooking liquid, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Heat over low, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Serve the pot roast with the gravy over mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

• For deeper onion flavor, caramelize the onions in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Substitute red wine for some of the beef broth for a richer sauce.
• Use dried thyme if fresh is not available, but reduce the quantity to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid overpowering the dish.
• To thicken the gravy without flour, reduce the sauce by simmering it on the stove for 10-15 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover pot roast and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a brisket or bottom round roast as alternatives, but cooking times may vary slightly to achieve tenderness.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can brown the roast and onions in a heavy pot, add the sauce ingredients, then cover and cook in a 325°F oven for about 3 hours until tender, or simmer gently on the stove.

French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

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4.5 from 108 reviews

This French Onion Pot Roast is a comforting slow-cooked dish featuring a tender chuck roast simmered with caramelized onions, garlic, and a rich blend of tomato sauce, beef broth, and savory seasonings. The roast is cooked until fork-tender and served with a flavorful gravy made from the cooking juices, perfect over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 7 hours (low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) or 7 hours 15 minutes (low)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 2 lb Chuck Roast

Produce

• 2 cups Red or Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped (or 1/4 tsp dried)
• 2 tsp Fresh Parsley, chopped

Liquids & Sauces

• 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Beef Broth

Pantry

• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1–2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (or cornstarch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and white wine vinegar until well combined.
2. Season the roast: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast. Season all sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Layer in slow cooker: Place half of the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour half of the prepared sauce evenly over the onions. Place the seasoned chuck roast on top, then cover it evenly with the remaining sliced onions. Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
4. Cook the roast: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and fully cooked.
5. Make the gravy: Once the roast is done, remove the meat and onions, reserving the cooking liquid. For each cup of sauce, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or all-purpose flour. Heat over low, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens into a gravy.
6. Serve: Slice the pot roast and serve with the onion gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your flavorful French Onion Pot Roast!

Notes

• You can use either red or yellow onions depending on your preference; yellow onions provide a sweeter flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well – just use less as it is more concentrated.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
• Leftover roast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Pot Roast, French Onion, Slow Cooker, Beef Roast, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, One-Pot Meal