French Onion Pot Roast (Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven) (Print Version)

Rich French Onion Pot Roast, slow-cooked to tender perfection with caramelized onions and savory broth. Easy recipe for slow cooker or Dutch oven.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 420 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 445 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: French

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Foundation

01 - 3 1/2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
02 - 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
03 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Caramelized Aromatics

05 - 4 large yellow onions (about 2 lbs), thinly sliced
06 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 4 sprigs fresh thyme

→ Rich Braising Elixir

08 - 4 cups beef broth, low sodium
09 - 1 1/2 cups dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
10 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
12 - 2 bay leaves

→ Gratin Topping

13 - 6 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
14 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Trim and cut 3 1/2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast into 2-inch chunks. Season generously with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef until browned on all sides, then remove. This is the first step for your French Onion Pot Roast (Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven).
02 - In the same Dutch oven, add 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add 6 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in 1 1/2 cups dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add 4 cups low sodium beef broth, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, creating the flavorful base for your French Onion Pot Roast (Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven).
04 - Return the seared beef to the Dutch oven, or transfer everything to a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover tightly. If using a Dutch oven, bake at 300°F for 6-7 hours. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
05 - Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. If desired, skim any excess fat from the sauce. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate.
06 - Return the shredded beef to the sauce. Ladle the French Onion Pot Roast (Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven) into bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of 6 oz shredded Gruyere cheese. Broil briefly until melted and bubbly, then garnish with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the onion caramelization; it's key to developing the deep, sweet flavor of the dish.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
03 - If Gruyere cheese is unavailable, Swiss cheese or provolone make excellent substitutes for the gratin topping.
04 - Serve this hearty pot roast with crusty bread for dipping, or over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker OR Dutch oven
02 - Large skillet (if using slow cooker)
03 - Cutting board
04 - Sharp knife
05 - Measuring cups
06 - Measuring spoons
07 - Tongs
08 - Grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 575 kcal
Total Fat: 32 g
Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
Protein: 56 g