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Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast

Slow cooker French onion pot roast with shredded beef in rich brown gravy served over mashed potatoes
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A comforting, flavor-packed slow cooker meal with tender beef, caramelized onions, and rich, savory gravy. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) beefy onion soup mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed French onion soup
  • 2–3 lb chuck roast (well-marbled)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced onion, minced garlic, beefy onion soup mix, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix until onions are well coated.
  2. Spray 8-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add half the onion mixture to bottom and pour one can of condensed French onion soup over it.
  3. Pat chuck roast completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear roast for 5 minutes per side until deep golden-brown crust forms.
  5. Transfer seared roast to slow cooker on top of onion mixture. Top with remaining onion mixture and pour second can of French onion soup over everything.
  6. Distribute butter slices evenly over top. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until meat shreds easily and reaches 190-205°F internal temperature.
  7. Remove roast from slow cooker and place on cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Pour remaining liquid from slow cooker into medium skillet. Heat over medium heat until simmering.
  9. Whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk slurry into simmering liquid. Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until gravy thickens enough to coat back of spoon.
  10. Using two forks, shred roast into bite-sized pieces. Return to slow cooker or serving bowl, pour thickened gravy over meat and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Notes

  • Searing the roast creates deep flavor and helps gravy develop richer color. Don’t skip this step for best results.
  • Choose well-marbled chuck roast for juiciest texture. Leaner cuts like bottom round work but need less cooking time (6-7 hours on LOW).
  • For make-ahead meals, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat with splash of broth to keep moist.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or carrots during last 2 hours of cooking for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/slow-cooker-french-onion-pot-roast/