Savory Crock Pot French Onion Pot Roast

This pot roast is a 3 to 4 pound beef chuck roast seared in a skillet, then slow cooked in a crock pot with French onion soup, beef broth, sliced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and thyme. The liquid turns into an onion gravy you serve with the sliced meat. It makes 6 servings.

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Hands-on time is 15 minutes. The crock pot does the rest over 8 to 10 hours on low, so it suits a day when you are away from the kitchen.

What Goes in the Crock Pot

The card has the full list. Here is what each ingredient adds.

• Beef chuck roast (3 to 4 pounds): its marbling keeps the meat tender and juicy through a long cook.
• French onion soup (2 cups): a savory, slightly sweet base with caramelized onion flavor.
• Beef broth (1 cup): adds moisture and makes up the gravy.
• Onion (1, sliced) and garlic (4 cloves, minced): they cook down into the liquid.
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): a tangy, savory note.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): an earthy herb that goes with beef.
• Salt and pepper: adjust to taste.

Searing and Slow Cooking

Season the roast generously with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides in a skillet until browned before it goes into the crock pot. The browned crust adds depth.

Mix the soup, broth, Worcestershire, thyme, garlic and onion in a bowl and pour it over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the meat is tender. If you are short on time, high for 4 to 5 hours also works, but low and slow gives the best result.

Take the roast out and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, which helps it hold its juices. Serve with the onion gravy from the pot.

Other Cuts and Add-Ins

• Meat: brisket or round roast in place of chuck. Cooking times may vary with the cut.
• Vegetables: carrots, potatoes or parsnips in the crock pot to soak up the broth.
• Flavor: rosemary or bay leaves, or a splash of red wine in the gravy.

What to Serve With the Roast

Crusty bread is good for dipping in the gravy. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad all work on the side. Leftover sliced roast can go into sandwiches, or into a wrap with cheese and greens.

Timing and Make-Ahead

Prep takes 15 minutes and cooking takes 8 hours, so the card total is 8 hours 15 minutes. You can season the roast the night before and marinate it overnight for extra flavor, then put everything in the crock pot in the morning.

Nutrition per Slice

Each slice has approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat (8 grams saturated, 10 grams unsaturated, 1 gram trans fat), 5 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 35 grams of protein, 500 milligrams of sodium and 90 milligrams of cholesterol. These are estimates.

FAQ

How long does the pot roast take to cook?

Approximately 8 to 10 hours on low.

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes. Brisket or round roast both work, though cooking times may vary.

How should leftovers be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, with a splash of broth if needed to keep the meat moist.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes. Prepare the ingredients the night before and marinate the roast overnight, then put everything in the crock pot in the morning.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us