Best Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of a pot roast slow-cooking in the Crock Pot on a chilly afternoon. As the sun begins to set and golden light filters through the trees, I find myself pulled back to cherished memories of family dinners filled with laughter, warmth, and a sumptuous meal that brought us all together. This Best Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a dish that embodies that spirit—tender chuck roast bathed in a creamy bath of French onion soup, buttery onions, and herbs. It’s the perfect way to celebrate cozy evenings and easy weeknight dinners, enveloping you in its comforting embrace.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: Simply toss everything into the Crock Pot, and let it do the magic for you.
- Tender and Flavorful: The combination of beef, French onion soup, and spices creates melt-in-your-mouth beef that bursts with flavor.
- Perfect for Family Gatherings: Everyone will fall in love with this dish—it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in the morning and come home to a deliciously aromatic dinner, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
- Cozy Comfort Food: The hearty blend of ingredients warms your soul, just like a hug from an old friend.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create this comforting masterpiece, you’ll need the following delightful ingredients:
- 1 oz packet beefy onion soup mix
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (freshly dried preferred)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans (10.5 fl oz each) condensed French onion soup
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold for this), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 chuck roast (2 to 3 lb, room temperature)
- 1/4 cup water
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (slurry with water)
Let’s Make It Together
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast until browned on all sides, creating a beautiful caramelization that will seal in those delicious juices. This step adds depth to the final flavor!
In the Crock Pot, layer the sliced onions, garlic, and herbs. Sprinkle the beefy onion soup mix on top, and then nestle the seared roast in the center.
Pour the condensed French onion soup over the roast, letting the creamy goodness surround your meat. Add the salt, thyme, black pepper, and water for extra moisture.
Slice the unsalted butter and place it on top of the roast. It will melt into the broth, adding a luxurious richness.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, letting the flavors meld beautifully and the beef become fork-tender.
Once cooked, remove the roast from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Use the cooking liquid to create a delightful gravy by whisking in a cornstarch slurry until thickened.
Slice the pot roast and serve it with a generous ladle of gravy, garnishing with chopped parsley for a touch of brightness.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Add Some Vegetables: Toss in carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to make this a one-pot meal bursting with color and nutrition.
- Swap the Herbs: Try adding a pinch of paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a zesty twist that elevates the dish.
- Cheesy Addition: Top your pot roast with a sprinkle of sharp cheese or even a melted Gruyère for a delightful French onion twist!
- Creamy Mushroom Variation: Add a can of cream of mushroom soup to the pot for a richer, earthier flavor that pairs beautifully with the onions.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Prepare everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and just pop it in the Crock Pot in the morning.
- Ingredient Swaps: Use a different cut of beef like brisket or round for slightly different results or make a vegetarian version with mushroom pot roast.
- Ideal Slicing: Allow the roast to rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps retain juices and makes it easier to cut.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: About 4 oz of roast with gravy
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance, and just cook it in the Crock Pot when you’re ready.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cuts of beef, or use a vegetable broth instead of soup for a vegetarian option.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave for best results.
How long does it last?
This pot roast is best enjoyed fresh but can last in the fridge for about 3 days.
Wrapping It Up
This Best Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a passage back to family gatherings and love-filled dinners. The tender beef, buttery onions, and cozy aromas invite you to linger a little longer at the table, making it a special evening no matter what time of year it is.
Save this recipe to your cozy dinner board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat that warms your heart!
Print
Best Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting pot roast slow-cooked with French onion soup, tender beef, and buttery onions for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 oz packet beefy onion soup mix
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans (10.5 fl oz each) condensed French onion soup
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 chuck roast (2 to 3 lb, room temperature)
- 1/4 cup water
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (slurry with water)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chuck roast until browned on all sides.
- In the Crock Pot, layer the sliced onions, garlic, and herbs. Sprinkle the beefy onion soup mix on top and nestle the seared roast in the center.
- Pour the condensed French onion soup over the roast, and add salt, thyme, black pepper, and water.
- Top the roast with sliced butter.
- Cover and cook on low for 480-600 minutes or high for 240-300 minutes.
- Remove the roast once cooked and let rest. Whisk in cornstarch slurry with the cooking liquid to create gravy.
- Slice the pot roast, serve with gravy, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Feel free to add veggies like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for a heartier meal. Can substitute cuts of beef as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crock pot, pot roast, French onion, comfort food, family dinner