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Soul Warming French Onion Pot Roast

Featured in Simple Beef Recipes.

Made this French onion pot roast for Sunday dinner and the house smelled amazing all day. Takes about 6 hours but it's mostly hands-off. The onions get so sweet and soft, and that gravy is incredible. Use good beef broth, it matters. The meat just falls apart. Perfect cold weather comfort food. Even better the next day. Served it with mashed potatoes to soak up all that gravy. My new favorite way to make pot roast.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:07:59 GMT
A tender piece of beef served on creamy mashed potatoes, topped with sautéed onions and garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A tender piece of beef served on creamy mashed potatoes, topped with sautéed onions and garnished with fresh herbs. | lastminrecipes.com

My French onion pot roast brings cozy comfort every bite. Rich onions tender meat blend perfect winter meal great over potatoes noodles.

Easy Comfort

Pot roast meets French onion soup magic. Works slow cooker stovetop tastes better next day.

What You Need

  • Meat: Two pound chuck roast fresh best.
  • Fats: Butter oil perfect sear.
  • Aromatics: Garlic two large onions.
  • Liquid: Beef broth makes sauce base.
  • Flavor: Worcestershire vinegar herbs spices.
  • Thicken: Cornstarch smooth gravy.

Easy Steps

Sear
Season meat hot pan butter oil crust forms.
Onions
Slice thin layer half slow cooker base.
Mix
Add garlic broth sauces spices herbs meat top onions.
Cook
Low six hours fork tender perfect.
Gravy
Remove meat thicken sauce cornstarch ready serve.
A close-up image of tender braised beef topped with caramelized onions and fresh herbs in a black serving dish. Pin it
A close-up image of tender braised beef topped with caramelized onions and fresh herbs in a black serving dish. | lastminrecipes.com

Keep Fresh

Store four days fridge longer freezer. Warm gentle keeps tender great sandwiches soups.

Best Results

Season well use steel cast iron pan. Space meat crust forms right mix fats no burn.

Big Groups

Double recipe larger cooker feeds crowd. Side potatoes rolls makes perfect feast.

Why Love It

Rich savory one pot easy cleanup meal. Tender meat onion gravy brings comfort home.

Perfect Pairs

Mashed potatoes noodles catch every drop. Add veggies salad crusty bread complete.

Mix It Up

Add mushrooms carrots try red wine fresh herbs. Easy change recipe fits your taste.

A succulent, sliced roast beef garnished with caramelized onions and thyme in a black cooking pot. Pin it
A succulent, sliced roast beef garnished with caramelized onions and thyme in a black cooking pot. | lastminrecipes.com

Plan Ahead

Prep night before cook morning ready dinner. Leftovers heat quick busy week meals.

Pure Comfort

Perfect cold nights family gatherings anytime. Rich flavors easy prep makes everyone happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this in both slow cooker and oven?
Yes, the recipe includes instructions for both methods. Slow cooker takes 6-8 hours on low, while oven method takes about 2.5-3 hours at 275°F.
→ Why sear the meat first?
Searing browns the meat, creating deeper flavor and helping ensure a more tender and flavorful final roast.
→ How do I know when the roast is done?
The roast is done when it easily pierces with a fork and becomes fall-apart tender. For slow cooker, this is usually 8 hours on low.
→ Can I make a larger roast?
Yes, but you'll need a 6-8 quart slow cooker for doubled or tripled recipes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
→ Why thicken the gravy at the end?
Adding cornstarch at the end creates a thicker, more traditional gravy consistency. Add more if needed for desired thickness.

Conclusion

A delectable and tender beef roast prepared with French onion soup flavors, slow-cooked to perfection and served with a rich, savory gravy.

Soul Warming French Onion Pot Roast

A flavorful pot roast infused with French onion flavors, slow-cooked until tender with caramelized onions in a rich gravy.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
495 Minutes
Total Time
505 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings (1 pot roast)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 pound chuck roast.
02 2 tablespoons butter.
03 Splash of oil.
04 3 garlic cloves, minced.
05 2 large onions, thinly sliced.
06 2 cups beef broth.
07 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
08 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
09 ½ teaspoon onion powder.
10 ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
11 1 bay leaf.
12 ⅛ teaspoon celery seeds.
13 1 tablespoon sugar.
14 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch.
15 ⅓ cup water.

Instructions

Step 01

Season chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear in butter and oil until browned on all sides.

Step 02

Sauté onions in same pan for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 03

Layer half onions, garlic, seasonings, meat, and remaining onions. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 04

Combine all ingredients in Dutch oven. Cook at 275°F for 2½-3 hours until tender.

Step 05

Remove meat. Add cornstarch mixture to liquid. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency.

Notes

  1. Works in slow cooker or oven.
  2. Searing meat adds flavor.
  3. Use larger cooker for bigger roasts.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker or Dutch oven.
  • Large skillet.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 42 g