Crockpot French onion pot roast takes the comforting flavors of French onion soup, to the next level. This healthier version is low-carb/keto, paleo, and Whole30 compatible. Beef roast slow cooks with caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, broth, and a homemade dry French onion soup mix. The end result is a melt-in-your-mouth roast that feels and looks impressive yet requires minimal effort. Topped with melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese, this French onion roast dish brings all the flavors of the classic French onion soup into a hearty main course. Instructions to make this French onion pot roast in the Instant Pot are also included.

Table of Contents
ToggleIngredients 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)

How To Make Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast
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.
- Add the onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef on top.
- 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.
- Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW 8 to 10.
- Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.
- 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.
- Add the onions on top of the beef.
- 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.
- Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook 45 minutes. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure.
- Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.
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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PrintCrockpot French Onion Pot Roast
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Crockpot French onion pot roast takes the comforting flavors of French onion soup, to the next level. This healthier version is low-carb/keto, paleo, and Whole30 compatible. Beef roast slow cooks with caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, broth, and a homemade dry French onion soup mix. The end result is a melt-in-your-mouth roast that feels and looks impressive yet requires minimal effort. Topped with melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese, this French onion roast dish brings all the flavors of the classic French onion soup into a hearty main course. Instructions to make this French onion pot roast in the Instant Pot are also included.
- Author: Shannon Epstein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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
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.
- Add the onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beef on top.
- 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.
- Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW 8 to 10.
- Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.
- 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.
- Add the onions on top of the beef.
- 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.
- Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook 45 minutes. When cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure.
- Slice or shred the beef. Garnish with cheese before serving, if using.

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4 thoughts on “Crockpot French Onion Pot Roast”
Question…can I use a cornstarch slurry to thicken up the broth?
Absolutely. Fantastic idea!
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.
Oh wow, what a compliment. This makes me so happy to hear!