Creating Savory French Onion Pot Roast can be an enjoyable and straightforward process if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven or Slow Cooker:
– For oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C).
– For slow cooker: Set it to low.

2. Sear the Meat:
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
– Sear each side of the roast until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). This step adds great flavor.

3. Cook the Onions:
– In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat until they are golden brown and caramelized (about 10-12 minutes). Stir occasionally.
– Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking the onions.

4. Deglaze the Pan:
– Pour in the white wine or additional beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

5. Combine Ingredients:
– In a large pot or slow cooker, place the seared roast. Add the caramelized onions, garlic, and all remaining ingredients including beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.

6. Cooking Method:
– For Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds.
– For Oven: Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake for 2-3 hours, allowing the roast to become tender.

7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
– If you desire a thicker sauce, remove the cooked roast and whisk 2 tablespoons of flour into the cooking liquid. Allow it to simmer until thickened.

8. Shred the Meat:
– Once cooked, remove the roast from the pot and shred it using two forks.

9. Return to Sauce:
– Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine with the onion broth.

10. Garnish:
– Serve the pot roast garnished with chopped parsley.