This Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast is a cozy meal made easy! The tender beef roasts slowly with onions and broth, making it super flavorful without much fuss.
I love coming home to the warm smell of this dish. It pairs perfectly with some crusty bread. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this comfort food! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes super tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for this dish as they caramelize beautifully. If you need a substitution, sweet onions like Vidalia can also work, giving a slightly different flavor profile.
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes because they cook evenly and add a lovely texture. You can use regular potatoes, but remember to cut them into chunks for even cooking.
French Onion Soup Mix: This adds rich flavor to the dish. If you prefer to go homemade, mix onion powder, garlic powder, and beef bouillon for a similar taste. Great for avoiding extra preservatives!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Tender Roast?
To achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture, follow these simple steps:
- Sear the Meat: Always sear the roast first! Browning it locks in those tasty juices and adds depth to the flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Low and slow is the name of the game for a pot roast. Cooking on LOW for 8-9 hours allows the connective tissues to break down beautifully.
- Resting Time: After cooking, let the roast rest a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep the juices inside, making each slice tender and moist.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a fantastic French Onion Pot Roast that everyone will love!
Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roast:
- 3 to 4 lb beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (yellow or red), whole or halved if large
- 1 cup baby carrots
For the Broth:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 envelope (about 1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast takes about 15 minutes of prep time and needs to cook for 8-9 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH. So, set it in the morning, and you’ll come home to an incredible dinner at night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Roast:
To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, pat your beef roast dry and rub it generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s a beautiful brown color. This step really locks in the flavors!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onions. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until they are soft and starting to caramelize. This will add a delicious sweetness to your dish! After that, mix in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
3. Layer in the Crockpot:
Now, it’s time to assemble! Place the seared roast at the bottom of your Crockpot. Next, spoon the caramelized onions and garlic over the roast, spreading it out evenly. This is where the magic happens!
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour the beef broth over everything, making sure some goes underneath the roast. Then, sprinkle in the French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. This will create a luscious sauce for your roast!
5. Add the Vegetables:
Take the baby potatoes and carrots and place them around the roast in the Crockpot. They will soak up the fantastic flavors as they cook!
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender and falls apart easily. The veggies should be perfectly cooked too!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your delicious roast is ready, carefully transfer the beef and vegetables to a serving plate. If you like, you can skim any excess fat from the liquid left in the Crockpot and drizzle some over the roast as gravy. Yum!
8. Final Touch:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal with your family and friends!
Enjoy this easy and flavorful Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast with melt-in-your-mouth beef and tender vegetables!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness when slow-cooked, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may vary in tenderness and cook times.
What If I Don’t Have French Onion Soup Mix?
No problem! You can mix your own substitute by combining 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1-2 tablespoons beef bouillon or broth. This will provide a similar flavor without the additives.
How Do I Store Leftover Pot Roast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate the meat from the vegetables to maintain their texture upon reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like green beans, parsnips, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different vegetables, so you might want to add them partway through the cooking process.