French Onion Pot Roast Recipe
Introduction
This French Onion Pot Roast transforms a classic comfort dish into a rich, savory feast. Slow-cooked with tender onions and a flavorful sauce, it’s perfect for cozy dinners that feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients
- 2 lb Chuck Roast
- 2 cups Red or Yellow Onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped, or 1/4 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1-2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (or cornstarch)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and white wine vinegar to make the sauce.
- Step 2: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast. Season all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Place half of the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour half of the sauce evenly over the onions.
- Step 4: Set the chuck roast on top of the onions. Spread the remaining onions over the roast, then pour the remaining sauce on top.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, until the roast is fork tender.
- Step 6: To make gravy, take 1 cup of cooking liquid from the slow cooker and whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
- Step 7: Serve the pot roast with the gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use yellow onions for a sweeter flavor or red onions for a slightly sharper taste.
- For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce mixture before cooking.
- Fresh thyme adds vibrancy, but dried thyme works well if fresh isn’t available.
- Leftover roast can be shredded and used in sandwiches or tacos.
Storage
Store leftover pot roast and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook this pot roast in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can braise the roast in a covered oven-safe pot at 275°F (135°C) for about 3 to 4 hours until tender.
What can I serve with French Onion Pot Roast?
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles to soak up the flavorful gravy.
PrintFrench Onion Pot Roast Recipe
This French Onion Pot Roast is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked beef dish featuring tender chuck roast simmered with caramelized onions, garlic, and a savory blend of tomato sauce, beef broth, white wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. The slow cooking allows the meat to become fork-tender and infused with rich onion gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 7 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (high) or 7 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lb Chuck Roast
Vegetables
- 2 cups Red or Yellow Onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Beef Broth
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped) or 1/4 tsp dried Thyme
- 2 tsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Thickening Agent
- 1–2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and white wine vinegar until well combined. This mixture will infuse the pot roast with rich flavors during cooking.
- Season the Roast: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast for a leaner dish. Season all sides of the roast evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the bottom of your slow cooker, spread half of the sliced onions. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the onions to create a flavorful base. Place the seasoned chuck roast on top of the onions, then evenly sprinkle the remaining onion slices over the roast. Finally, pour the remaining sauce over the top to keep the roast moist and tasty during cooking.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, until the roast is fork tender and infused with the onion sauce.
- Make the Gravy: Once the roast is cooked, remove the meat and keep warm. For the gravy, take 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or all-purpose flour per cup of sauce from the slow cooker. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly to a gravy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice or shred the pot roast and serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Spoon the rich French onion gravy over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a colorful and aromatic finish. Enjoy your hearty and delicious French Onion Pot Roast!
Notes
- You can substitute cornstarch for all-purpose flour to make the gravy gluten-free.
- For deeper onion flavor, caramelize the onions on the stovetop before layering in the slow cooker.
- Leftover pot roast can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Be sure to trim excess fat to avoid greasy gravy.
- Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model as heat levels may vary.
Keywords: French onion pot roast, slow cooker pot roast, chuck roast recipe, comfort food, beef roast, onion gravy, slow cooked beef, easy pot roast

