Ultimate Slow cooker French onion beef Recipe

The rich aroma of onions slowly stewing with savory beef always makes my kitchen feel incredibly welcoming on a busy weekday. I rely on this Slow cooker French onion beef when I need a meal that tastes like it took hours of active work but actually cooks itself.

You get all the deep flavors of the classic bistro soup transformed into a hearty main dish that satisfies the biggest appetites.

What Makes This Slow Cooker French Onion Beef Special

This recipe transforms tough, affordable cuts of meat into something incredibly tender that practically falls apart on your fork.

You can prep everything in the morning and return home to a Slow cooker French onion beef dinner that is ready when you are.

It captures that distinctive savory depth of caramelized onions without requiring you to stand over the stove stirring for an hour.

If you enjoyed the deep flavors in this dish, I highly recommend trying my Zesty Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe for another cozy bowl, and the Irresistible Guacamole Recipe is perfect for snacking while you cook.

Everything You Need for Slow Cooker French Onion Beef

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to gather for this recipe:

• Beef Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut that becomes tender during the long cooking process.
• Yellow Onions: You will need plenty of these to create the signature sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Beef Broth: Provides the rich liquid base for the gravy and keeps the meat moist.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds the necessary acidity and depth that mimics the traditional flavor without using wine.
• Fresh Thyme: This herb brings an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with beef.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a sharp, savory kick to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: A splash enhances the meaty umami flavor and darkens the color of the gravy.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts perfectly over the beef for that classic cheesy finish.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the juices into a proper gravy at the end.

My Method for Slow Cooker French Onion Beef

Let’s get this easy dinner started:

1. I start by slicing the onions into uniform strips, not too thin, so they hold up during the long cooking time without turning into total mush. I place half of the sliced onions in a layer at the very bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavor bed for the meat.
2. Next, I pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. I place the beef on top of the onion bed and scatter the remaining onions, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs over and around the meat.
3. I whisk together the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce in a measuring cup before pouring it over the beef and onions. I cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours until the meat is extremely tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Once the cooking time is up, I remove the beef to a cutting board and shred it into large chunks, discarding any large pieces of fat. I whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, stir it into the juices in the slow cooker, and let it thicken on high for about 15 minutes before returning the beef to the pot to warm through and coat in the sauce.

My Slow Cooker French Onion Beef Secrets

Searing the meat in a hot skillet before placing it in the pot adds a layer of caramelized flavor that makes the Slow cooker French onion beef much richer.

If your sauce feels too thin after cooking, I simply mix a little extra cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last thirty minutes.

Make sure you slice the onions evenly so they soften at the same rate and melt into the gravy perfectly.

Best Ways to Enjoy Slow Cooker French Onion Beef

I usually pile this savory beef onto toasted hoagie rolls or baguettes and top with melted cheese to create the ultimate French dip sandwich experience.

You can also serve your Slow cooker French onion beef over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a more traditional sit-down dinner.

Follow me on Pinterest for more easy dinner inspiration and cozy comfort food recipes.

Slow Cooker French Onion Beef

---

• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 8 hr 15 min
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Dairy-Free option

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This tender slow cooker French onion beef creates a rich, savory gravy with caramelized onions without any fuss.

---

Ingredients

• 1.3 kg beef chuck roast
• 3 large yellow onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 500 ml beef broth
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 3 sprigs fresh
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Slice the onions into even strips and place half of them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pat the beef roast dry, season liberally with salt and pepper, and place it on top of the onions.
3. Top the beef with the remaining onions, minced garlic, and thyme.
4. In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce, then pour this mixture over the ingredients in the pot.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 7-8 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
6. Remove the beef and shred it into chunks using two forks.
7. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the liquid in the slow cooker. Turn heat to High and let thicken for 10-15 minutes.
8. Return the beef to the pot to coat in the gravy. Top with cheese just before serving so it melts.

Notes

For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the added salt. This recipe is naturally alcohol-free.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Thickening: 15 min
• Cook Time: 8 hr
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Slow cooker French onion beef, easy beef dinner, crockpot roast, savory beef recipe