Beer, Onion and Ketchup Roast

Mar 01, 2019Updated Jun 27, 2025

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This Beer, Onion, and Ketchup Roast is a no-fuss crockpot meal with rich, savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

cooked shredded meat in a slow cooker in beef, onion and ketchup sauce.

Don’t knock it till you try it—this roast is rich, savory, and nothing like you’d expect. The ketchup cooks down into a mellow, tomatoey sauce that pairs perfectly with beef, beer, and onions. Some folks side-eye ketchup in recipes, but trust me, it works.

roast with beer, onion and ketchup on top in the slow cooker.

The Ingredients

Chuck Roast – For the most juicy roast you will have you want to choose a chuck roast.

Beer – Use your favorite!

Onion soup mix – delivers rich, savory flavor with no chopping required

Ketchup – This may seem like a strange ingredient but the sweetness and tang really is the secret ingredient in this recipe.

Cooked pot roast in slow cooker, not shredded.

How to make Beer Pot Roast

Brown the roast in a hot skillet to build flavor.
Add everything to the slow cooker—the roast, seasonings, ketchup, and beer.
Cook low and slow until the meat is tender enough to shred and serve.

shredded beef in a slow cooker in a beer, onion ketchup sauce.

Sarah’s Tips & Variations

Skip the sear if needed: Browning the roast adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Add veggies: Toss in carrots, onions, or baby potatoes to make it a complete dinner.

Use a different cut: Bottom round or brisket works well if you don’t have chuck roast on hand.

Beer Swap: Use beef broth or can of French Onion Soup.

bowl with mashed potaotes, shredded beef and corn.

Ways to serve

Our favorite way to serve is over mashed potatoes and with a side of corn.

Another option is over white rice.

Leftovers are great on hamburger buns.

Featured Comment

“I made this recipe a few days ago and it turned out very tasty. I served it on top of mashed potatoes. Very easy to put together and has lots of flavor.”
– Debbie

29 More Reviews

Shredded meat in sauce in a slwo cooker with mashed potatoes and corn on the side.

Beer, Onion and Ketchup Roast

5 from 5 votes

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 7

Total Time: 7 20

Servings:

By: Sarah Olson

Tender pot roast flavored with beer, onion and ketchup and easily made in the Crockpot.

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How to Video

Equipment

Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger (I own and use this one from Crock-Pot)

Ingredients

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.

Nutrition

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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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.