Slow Cooker Beer, Onion and Ketchup Chuck Roast
Mar 01, 2019Updated Mar 08, 2025
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Slow Cooker Beer, Onion and Ketchup Chuck Roast is a reader’s recipe I had to try! Smells SO good while cooking.

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I want you to give this recipe a try before you judge it. The ketchup is like a mild tomato sauce in this and you know how well beef, beer and onions go together. Funny how people can get about cooking with Ketchup, I have no shame myself.
I received this recipe from a reader on Facebook named Yvonne Marie, I tucked this recipe away for a rainy day (well, it was a snowy day). I’m so glad I gave this recipe a try, thank you, Yvonne!
How to make Beer, Onion, and Ketchup Chuck Roast:
- Chuck Roast – For the most juicy roast you will have you want to choose a chuck roast.
- Beer – Use your favorite!
- Onion – One Lipton Onion Soup Packet
- Ketchup – This may seem like a strange ingredient but the sweetness and tang really is the secret ingredient in this recipe.
How long do I cook?
- Place the lid on the slow cooker.
- Chuck roast is best if cooked low and slow for 10 hours, but if you are in a time crunch, 7 hours on high will work fine.
More chuck roast recipes to try:
- A tender and flavorful meal, Mississippi Pot Roast is slow-cooked with ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, and pepperoncini for the perfect balance of tang and richness.
- Slow-simmered in a savory broth, French Onion Pot Roast delivers deep, caramelized flavors, while Crockpot Pot Roast is a hearty classic with tender beef and vegetables.
- For a unique twist, Coca Cola Pot Roast has a hint of sweetness, and Balsamic Beef Roast and Veggies bring a rich, tangy glaze to the table.
- Perfect for sandwiches, Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches are packed with juicy beef, while Crockpot Barbacoa offers bold, smoky flavors with just the right amount of spice.
The house smells soo good while this is cooking. Quite possibly the best smelling roast I’ve made. Have a great week!
Slow Cooker Beer, Onion and Ketchup Chuck Roast
How to Video
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. beef chuck roast
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 oz. pkt. onion soup mix
- 12 oz. beer, use your favorite
Instructions
- Sprinkle the roast on both sides with the salt and pepper.
- Set a large skillet over medium high heat. When the pan is hot, add the cooking oil. Brown the roast on all sides, no need to cook through.
- Add the roast to the slow cooker. Pour over the ketchup, sprinkle over the onion soup mix. Pour over the beer.
- Cover and cook on high for 7 hours or on low for 10.
- When the cooking time is done, degrease the sauce around the roast. I do this by laying paper towels over the grease, then discarding them
- Shred the meat with two forks, remove and discard any fatty pieces.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or buns. Enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
What can I use instead of beer?
Beef broth or beef consommรฉ will work great.
I forgot to add that l used two tablespoons of olive oil as well. I would have used vegetable oil but didn’t have any. I’m poor.
I used this as the basis for a chicken recipe and omg it was so good. I made a couple of modifications.
1. I didn’t have an onion soup packet so I used 2 tablespoons of dried minced onions and 2 tablespoons of onion powder. ()
2. I didn’t have 1 cup of ketchup so I used 1/2 cup ketchup and 1/2 cup of cocktail sauce.
3. I also used extremely cheap beer (natty daddy 8%) and it STILL turned out impossibly well.
It smelled amazing.
1. Pre-grill chicken for a few mins while you add the beer, onion powder, minced onions, salt/pepper and ketchup/cocktail sauce to the crockpot. Use room temp beer. Let it sit out for an hour or run some hot water over the can for 3 mins. Your choice.
2. Add the pre-grilled chicken (should still be mostly pink on the inside) to the crock-pot.
3. Cook on high for 2 hours.
4.(cook on high for 2 more hours OR) Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
5. Be amazed.
Can I sub a ranch dressing packet for the french onion mix?
Yes, that will work fine.
Could I sub the onion soup packet for a can of mushroom soup? Or can of onion soup?
I would do a can of french onion soup if you want to stick with the original recipe. The cream of mushroom will work, it just won’t have an onion kick to it.
Can I add potatoes and carrots?
Yes, that would work well.