French Onion Beef Pot Roast

This French Onion Pot Roast recipe is made in your slow cooker for a set-it-and-forget-it meal packed with flavor. With sweet caramelized onions, beefy broth, and gooey Gruyère cheese, it’s truly the best savory beef pot roast recipe!

Happy October, my friends! The weather is starting to cool off with crisp mornings and nights so bring on all of the cozy comfort food. When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef pot roast and mashed potatoes. So, why not elevate it and make it even more flavorful?

This is where French Onion Beef comes in. We are layering flavors with sauteed onions, savory beef slowly cooked, and topped with melty gruyère cheese. All of the flavors in French onion soup but paired with a beef roast. This feels and tastes fancy but it is super easy!

I love beef pot roast recipes because of their rich flavor and how easy they are to make. One of my other favorite recipes that gets rave reviews is my Mississippi Pot Roast.

Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast Ingredients:

The best French onion pot roast recipe is made with very simple ingredients and is the most flavorful slow cooker roast you’ll ever eat!

• Chuck roast: The perfect cut for slow cooking! It becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Sweet onions: Sautéed in butter until golden, they add natural sweetness and rich depth.
• Butter: If you’re concerned about the sodium amount, you can use unsalted butter.
• Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Beefy onion soup packet: An easy shortcut that you can find in most grocery stores in the seasoning aisle. I like the Lipton brand!
• Beef broth: Keeps the roast moist and creates a flavorful sauce.
• Fresh thyme: You can also use dried thyme if in a pinch.
• Gruyère cheese (or Swiss): Melts beautifully for that signature French onion soup flavor.
• Optional add-ins: Mushrooms, Dijon mustard, or Worcestershire sauce add even more savory depth.

How to make the Best French Onion Pot Roast:

Caramelize the Onions (optional step but worth the time):

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 3 Tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
• Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25, until they become soft, golden, and caramelized.
• For extra depth, stir in 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze during the last minute to deglaze the pan.

Sear the Beef Roast (optional step):

• While onions are cooking, pat the beef dry and season lightly with pepper.
• Increase the skillet heat to medium-high, add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the roast on all sides until browned.
• This step adds a deep, savory flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Cook the Roast (low and slow):

• Place the seared roast (or raw, if skipping sear) into your slow cooker or Dutch oven.
• Scatter the caramelized onions over the top. Sprinkle the Beefy Onion Soup mix packet, then pour in the beef broth (or water). Add thyme sprigs and black pepper.
• For extra flavor, whisk the Dijon and Worcestershire into the broth before pouring it in.
• Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender. I suggest cooking it only on LOW and this is why — if you try to rush it by cooking on high heat for a shorter time, the outer parts of the meat can tighten up before the collagen has a chance to break down. This often leads to beef that is cooked through but still tough. When you cook a tough cut of beef — like a chuck roast — for a long time on low heat, you’re giving the meat’s connective tissues time to gently break down.
  
• Dutch Oven: Cover and cook in a 325 °F oven for 3–3½ hours, or until the beef easily shreds.

FINISH with GRUYERE CHEESE:

• Once the roast is done, shred it into large chunks and remove any herb stems.
• Sprinkle Gruyère (or Gruyère + Swiss) evenly over the top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
• If using a Dutch oven, broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes.

What sides should I serve with this French Onion Pot Roast?

This rich and savory French Onion Pot Roast pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides.

Try serving it over classic mashed potatoes or garlic parmesan mashed potatoes to soak up all that flavorful onion gravy. For a lighter touch, brown sugar bacon green beans, honey butter carrots, or a crisp garden salad make great sides. And don’t forget crusty French bread, it’s a must!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

Do I have to sear the roast first?
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step. If you want to infuse a little more flavor, you can sear the beef in a skillet drizzled with oil over medium-high heat before adding it to the slow cooker.

What kind of cheese is best?
Gruyère gives the classic French onion flavor, but Swiss or provolone also melt beautifully.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the onions using the sauté setting, sear the roast, then pressure cook on high for about 60 minutes with natural release.

Storage and Freezing:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist. This pot roast also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More French Onion Recipes:

French Onion Chicken

One Pot French Onion Pasta

French Onion Dip Recipe