Slow Cooker French Onion Chuck Roast
If you love the deep, savory taste of French onion soup and the cozy comfort of a classic pot roast, this Slow Cooker French Onion Chuck Roast is about to become a family favorite. Made with simple pantry ingredients and cooked low and slow, this recipe delivers fork-tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich, gravy-like sauce all with minimal hands-on time.
This is the kind of easy slow cooker beef recipe that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove, while your crock pot quietly does all the work. Perfect for busy weekdays, Sunday dinners, or cold evenings when you crave true comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Pot Roast:
Ultra tender chuck roast that falls apart effortlessly
Hands-off slow cooker recipe great for busy days
Rich, French onion style gravy without canned soup
Budget-friendly cut of beef with gourmet flavor
Comforting, homestyle meal the whole family loves
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
3–3½ pounds beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh sprigs)
1 bay leaf
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
½ cup beef broth (replace wine if preferred)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thick gravy)
2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions:
Pat the chuck roast dry and season with most of the salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions, remaining salt and pepper, and sugar if using. Cook 10–15 minutes until soft, golden, and sweetly caramelized.
Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up all the browned bits.
Spoon the onions over the roast. Add remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and cook:
LOW: 8–10 hours
HIGH: 4–5 hours
until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Tender slow cooker French onion chuck roast with caramelized onions and rich gravy. An easy, comforting crock pot dinner the whole family loves.
Remove roast and bay leaf. For thicker gravy, whisk flour with cold water, stir into the onion sauce, and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Slice or shred the roast and spoon the French onion gravy generously over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Best Sides for French Onion Pot Roast:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed green beans or glazed carrots
Crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the gravy
Tips & Variations:
Add potatoes and carrots for a one-pot slow cooker meal
Use low-sodium broth for better salt control
Skip flour for a lighter au jus-style sauce
Stir in sour cream at the end for a stroganoff-style twist
Great for leftovers perfect in sandwiches or over rice
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