Baked Coca Cola Pot Roast – A Comfort Food Classic with a Sweet Twist
This Baked Coca Cola Pot Roast takes a beloved Midwest staple and gives it a delicious twist. The sweet, caramel-like notes of Coca Cola mingle with the savory depth of a traditional pot roast, creating a rich, hearty meal you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy professionals or home cooks looking for a satisfying dinner without hours of prep, it transforms humble pantry ingredients into something truly special.
Whether it’s the centerpiece of a Sunday family dinner or a cozy dish for a chilly evening, this roast delivers on flavor and comfort. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the flavorful juices. Add roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for color and freshness, and don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up every last drop of gravy. A simple mixed greens salad can also help balance out the richness.
Ingredients
- 1 (3–4 lb) beef chuck roast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup Coca Cola
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast until deeply browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more.
- Return the roast to the pot. Add carrots and celery around the meat.
- Pour in the Coca Cola, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 3–4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven, discard bay leaves, and let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with vegetables and the pan juices.
Variations & Tips
- Swap Coca Cola for root beer or Dr. Pepper for a different flavor.
- Add baby potatoes to make it a true one-pot meal.
- For a thicker gravy, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the pan juices over medium heat until thickened.
- Use bottom round roast for a leaner option.
If you want, I can also make you a shorter, more punchy version for a Facebook post that makes people instantly crave this pot roast. Would you like me to prepare that next?
