Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast

By: Shannon Epstein

Crockpot French onion pot roast takes the comforting flavors of French onion soup, to the next level. This healthier version slow cooks beef with caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, broth, and a homemade dry French onion soup mix. Instructions to make Instant Pot French onion pot roast are also included. 

overhead shot of cooked French onion Pot Roast over mashed potatoes in a white bowl garnished with melted shredded cheese

Ingredients For Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast

  • Beef Roast
  • Onion
  • Beef Broth
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Homemade Dry French Onion Soup Mix: dried chopped onion, onion powder, parsley, salt, turmeric, garlic powder, pepper
  • Shredded Gruyère or Swiss Cheese (optional for garnish)

collage of ingredients for Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast

How To Make Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast

Slow Cooker

Optional step: Heat oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Sear a few minutes each side, until browned.   

  1. Add the onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef on top. 
  2. Mix together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and the dry French onion soup mix. Pour the mixture on top of the food in the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW 8 to 10.
  4. Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.

Instant Pot

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Once hot, add the oil and the beef roast. Cook 3-5 minutes on each side or until beef is browned. You may need to cut the beef to make the meat fit.
  2. Add the onions on top of the beef. 
  3. Mix together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and the dry French onion soup mix. Pour the mixture on top of the food in the Instant Pot.
  4. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook 45 minutes. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure. 
  5. Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Classic comfort food: This tender pot roast combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with a hearty beef dinner.
  • Easy to prepare: After a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does most of the work for you.
  • No packaged soup mix: The homemade dry French onion soup mix adds plenty of flavor without relying on a store-bought packet.
  • Tender, flavorful beef: Cooking the roast low and slow produces meat that is juicy, tender, and easy to slice or shred.
  • Fits different lifestyles: Without the optional cheese, this recipe can be made low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 compatible.
  • Two cooking methods: Prepare it in the slow cooker or use the included Instant Pot instructions when you need dinner sooner.

overhead shot of cooked, shredded French onion Pot Roast in a black slow cooker

FAQs & Tips

What cut of roast should you use?

I like chuck roast for this recipe however you can use your preferred cut of beef roast whether is be chuck, rump, or round. Tough cuts of meat work well with this recipe due to the long cook time. 

Can you use a store-bought packet of dry French onion soup mix?

You can if you want. Making your own is easier than you may realize and definitely a lot healthier though. 

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover crockpot French onion pot roast in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

What size slow cooker did you use?

I use a  6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.

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    Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast

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    5 from 1 review

    Crockpot French onion pot roast takes the comforting flavors of French onion soup, to the next level. This healthier version slow cooks beef with caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, broth, and a homemade dry French onion soup mix. Instructions to make Instant Pot French onion pot roast are also included. 

    • Author: Shannon Epstein
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 4 hours
    • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Pressure Cooking, Slow Cooking
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 1/2 to 3 pound beef roast, seasoned with salt and pepper
    • 1 large onion, sliced
    • 2 cups beef broth
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 1 cup shredded cheese like Gruyère or Swiss (optional, for serving)
    • Dry French Onion Soup Mix (see below for homemade or use 1 store-bought packet)
    • 1 tablespoon oil for Instant Pot, optional for slow cooker

    Homemade Dry French Onion Soup Mix

    • 2 tablespoons dried chopped onions
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

    Instructions

    Slow Cooker

    1. Optional step: Heat oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Sear a few minutes each side, until browned.   
    2. Add the onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef on top.
    3. Mix together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and the dry French onion soup mix. Pour the mixture on top of the food in the slow cooker.
    4. Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW 8 to 10.
    5. Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.

    Instant Pot

    1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Once hot, add the oil and the beef roast. Cook 3-5 minutes on each side or until beef is browned. You may need to cut the beef to make the meat fit.
    2. Add the onions on top of the beef.
    3. Mix together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and the dry French onion soup mix. Pour the mixture on top of the food in the Instant Pot.
    4. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook 45 minutes. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure.
    5. Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.

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4 thoughts on “Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast”

  1. Joanne Kramer

    This is one of the best roast recipes I have ever had! WOW. Next time I will double the recipe so I have more leftovers.

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