Crock Pot Coca Cola Roast is a tender, flavorful, and effortless dish that’s perfect for busy days or comforting Sunday dinners. The cola adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the savory flavors, while the slow cooker ensures the beef turns out perfectly juicy and fall-apart tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort: Let the crock pot do all the work for a hands-off cooking experience.
- Unbelievably Tender: Slow cooking ensures the roast is melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
- Sweet and Savory: The Coca Cola adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings and vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast (approximately 3–4 pounds)
- Coca Cola (regular, not diet)
- Onion soup mix
- Beef broth
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Onion, sliced
- Potatoes, carrots, and celery (optional, for a complete meal)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Place the roast in the crock pot and sprinkle the onion soup mix and minced garlic over the top.
- Add the sliced onion and optional vegetables around the roast.
- Pour the Coca Cola and beef broth over the roast, ensuring it’s partially submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, until the roast is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Remove the roast and vegetables from the crock pot. Shred the meat if desired.
- Optional: Use the cooking liquid to make a gravy by simmering it on the stovetop with a cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Serve warm with the vegetables and gravy, if made.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours on low or 4–6 hours on high
- Total Time: Approximately 8–10 hours and 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Include fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for added depth.
- Root Vegetables: Swap out potatoes and carrots for sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the added salt.
- Diet Soda Alternative: If desired, use a diet cola, but note it may slightly alter the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded roast and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of soda?
Yes, Dr. Pepper, root beer, or Pepsi work well as substitutes.
2. Do I have to sear the roast first?
Searing adds flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.
3. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket, bottom round, or rump roast are great alternatives.
4. Can I add wine to this recipe?
You can replace some of the broth with red wine for a richer flavor.
5. What’s the purpose of the Coca Cola?
The cola tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
6. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, but cooking on low is recommended for maximum tenderness.
7. Can I skip the onion soup mix?
You can substitute it with a mix of dried onions, beef bouillon, and seasonings.
8. How can I make the gravy thicker?
Use a cornstarch or flour slurry and simmer the cooking liquid until thickened.
9. What should I serve with this roast?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are excellent options to soak up the delicious juices.
10. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to include mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers for variety.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Coca Cola Roast is the ultimate comfort food that combines simplicity with outstanding flavor. Perfect for busy weekdays or a leisurely family dinner, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy beef every time. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy the sweet-savory goodness of this easy, slow-cooked classic.
PrintCrock Pot Coca Cola Roast
A tender and flavorful pot roast slow-cooked with Coca-Cola, dry onion soup mix, and vegetables, resulting in a savory gravy that’s perfect for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 beef roast (approximately 2.5 pounds, such as chuck roast)
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (12 ounces) Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 4–5 medium red potatoes, halved
- 3–4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast:
- Place the beef roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast.
- Add Vegetables:
- Arrange the halved potatoes and carrot chunks around the roast in the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and Coca-Cola. Stir until well blended.
- Pour Sauce:
- Pour the Coca-Cola and soup mixture over the roast and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time will result in a more tender roast.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter. Stir the remaining liquid in the slow cooker to combine, creating a savory gravy. Serve the roast and vegetables hot, drizzled with the gravy.
Notes
- Variations:
- For added flavor, you can sear the roast in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before placing it in the slow cooker. This step is optional but can enhance the depth of flavor.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, along with the potatoes and carrots.
- Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.