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Slow cooker apple onion roast with browned beef chuck, apple wedges, sliced onions, and savory cooking juices.

Slow Cooker Apple Onion Pot Roast

Tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked with tart apples, sweet onions, garlic, and a savory-sweet sauce for a comforting, easy dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the beef roast
  • 3 lb beef chuck roast
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the slow cooker
  • 2 medium yellow onions sliced
  • 2 medium tart apples cored and cut into wedges
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

Method
 

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry. Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, then rub the mixture over the beef.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3–4 minutes per side until browned, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
  3. Scatter the sliced onions, apple wedges, and smashed garlic around the roast.
  4. Whisk the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and tomato paste in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the roast and surrounding ingredients.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  6. Remove the roast and rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain, arrange with the apples and onions, and spoon the cooking juices over the top.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, sear the beef before slow cooking.
  • Use firm, tart apples that hold their shape during prolonged cooking.
  • Keep the roast whole while cooking for a classic pot-roast presentation.
  • Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, checking for fork-tender texture.
  • Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  • Store leftover beef with its cooking juices to help preserve moisture.
  • This is a Mediterranean-diet-friendly adaptation rather than a traditional Mediterranean recipe.
  • For food safety, refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat thoroughly.
 
Nutrition field Estimated amount per serving
Calories 500 kcal
Protein 43 g
Total carbohydrates 14 g
Dietary fiber 2 g
Total sugars 9 g
Total fat 31 g
Saturated fat 12 g
Sodium 950 mg
Cholesterol 135 mg