Print

French Onion Pot Roast Recipe

4.7 from 69 reviews

This French Onion Pot Roast recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of slow-cooked onions and garlic with a tender, flavorful chuck roast. Cooked low and slow in a slow cooker with wine, beef stock, and aromatic herbs, this comforting dish is finished with a smooth onion gravy perfect for serving over mashed potatoes and cheesy baguette slices for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf

Cooking Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 large yellow onions, sliced ¼-inch thick (more if desired)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • 1¼ cups beef stock or beef broth

Additional Flavorings

  • 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 beef bouillon cube, crumbled

Thickening Agent

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and brown the roast: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels, season all over with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Brown the roast on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes per side until a rich crust forms. Transfer the browned roast to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Cook the onions and garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and starting to lightly brown, about 15 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute to release their fragrance.
  3. Deglaze with wine and add to slow cooker: Pour ⅓ cup dry white wine into the skillet with the onions. Scrape the browned bits from the skillet bottom with a wooden spoon to incorporate flavor. Let the wine simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to slightly reduce, then pour the entire onion and wine mixture over the roast in the slow cooker.
  4. Add remaining liquid ingredients and seasonings: To the slow cooker, add 1¼ cups beef stock, 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 crumbled beef bouillon cube, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves. Cover with the slow cooker lid.
  5. Slow cook the roast: Cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours until the roast is fork-tender and easy to shred. Once done, transfer the roast to a plate and let it rest. Discard the bay leaf and skim any fat off the cooking juices.
  6. Make the gravy: Pour the cooking juices into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. In a separate small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to make a slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into the boiling cooking juices to thicken the gravy. Adjust thickness by adding more slurry if needed, but not all may be required.
  7. Serve: Shred or slice the rested roast and serve it over mashed potatoes. Ladle the rich onion gravy on top. Optionally, accompany with cheesy baguette slices as a side to complement the dish.

Notes

  • You can increase the amount of onions if you prefer a more robust onion flavor in your roast.
  • The dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the gravy, but if you prefer, you can substitute with additional beef stock.
  • Be sure to pat the roast dry before browning to ensure a good sear and flavorful crust.
  • Skimming fat from the cooking juices before making the gravy helps keep the dish less greasy and more balanced.
  • If you like a thicker gravy, adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry gradually; adding too much at once can make it too thick or gelatinous.
  • Serve this pot roast with mashed potatoes and cheesy baguette slices for a satisfying, comforting meal.

Keywords: French Onion Pot Roast, Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Chuck Roast Recipe, Slow Cooked Beef, Onion Gravy, Comfort Food, Easy Pot Roast, Crockpot Beef