This Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast is a cozy dish that fills your kitchen with a warm, delicious smell. It features tender roast beef, sweet onions, and a rich broth, all cooked slowly together.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that practically makes itself? Just toss everything in the Crockpot and let it do its magic while you relax! Plus, it’s perfect for sandwiches or served over rice! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking. It becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks. If chuck roast isn’t available, you can use brisket or a round roast instead.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing and provide a sweet flavor. If you’re in a pinch, sweet onions or shallots work too.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes.
Vegetables: Baby potatoes and carrots are classic additions. You can swap them with other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a twist!
How Do I Caramelize Onions for the Perfect Flavor?
Caramelizing onions brings out their sweetness and enhances the dish’s overall richness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning. Patience is key; it takes about 15 minutes for them to turn golden brown.
- Stir them occasionally, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. This adds more flavor to the dish and keeps them from sticking.
Taking time to caramelize the onions will boost the dish’s taste dramatically, so don’t rush this step!
Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) beef chuck roast
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 15 minutes to prep and then needs 8 to 9 hours to cook on low or 5 to 6 hours on high in your crockpot. While it takes time, the end result is a mouthwatering pot roast that you can enjoy with little work on your end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Roast:
Start by patting the beef roast dry with paper towels. This helps create a nice sear. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously all over the roast for seasoning.
2. Searing the Roast:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the roast in the skillet and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the skillet and set it aside for now.
3. Caramelizing the Onions:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Cook them until they are softened and golden brown—this takes around 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from burning.
4. Adding Garlic and Herbs:
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
5. Deglazing and Thickening:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir it in well. Then pour in the balsamic vinegar, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan to add more flavor. Next, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Assembling in the Crockpot:
Place the seared roast in the crockpot. Pour the onion and broth mixture over the top. Arrange the baby potatoes and carrots around the roast for a complete meal.
7. Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If cooking on low, plan for about 8 to 9 hours, or set it on high and enjoy in 5 to 6 hours. The roast should become tender, and the vegetables cook through beautifully!
8. Serving:
Once done, take the roast and veggies out of the crockpot. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley to add color. Slice the roast against the grain and serve with the onions and veggies on top.
Enjoy this flavorful, tender Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast—perfect for cozy family dinners! 🎉
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut. Just ensure that it’s well-marbled to keep the meat tender during cooking.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
No worries! If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop and enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner again!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans. Just cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the roast.
