Savory Cola Braised Beef Roast
This Savory Cola Braised Beef Roast is a delightful surprise that combines tender beef and rich flavors with minimal effort. As the roast cooks, it creates a luscious gravy that perfectly complements the hearty vegetables. The unique combination of cola with cream of mushroom soup adds a delicious depth of flavor that's sure to impress your family and guests. Perfect for a cozy dinner, holiday feast, or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is both affordable and satisfying. Don't worry if you're short on time; you can cook it from frozen too, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef roast
2-5 lb (None)
onion soup mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope (None)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (None)
cola
16 ounces (None)
potatoes
4 (cut in chunks)
carrots
2 (cut in chunks)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the beef roast in a deep covered roasting pan, ensuring there's enough space for the vegetables.
3
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the top of the roast.
4
Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the roast, allowing it to cover as much of the surface as possible.
5
Pour the cola over the roast and soup; do not mix, as we want the flavors to meld during cooking.
6
Add the chunks of potatoes and carrots around the roast in the pan, ensuring they are nestled in the liquid for even cooking.
7
Cover the roasting pan tightly with its lid.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours, or for 4 1/2 to 5 hours if the roast is frozen. Do not remove the lid during cooking.
9
Once done, carefully remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
10
Serve the roast slices with the flavorful vegetables and gravy spooned over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cola Braised Beef Roast?
It is a tender beef dish braised in a flavorful liquid made from cola, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix, typically cooked with potatoes and carrots.
What size beef roast should I use for this recipe?
A beef roast weighing between 2 and 5 pounds is recommended.
How many ingredients are needed to make this roast?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: beef roast, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, cola, potatoes, and carrots.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does a fresh beef roast take to cook?
A fresh beef roast takes approximately 3 hours to bake in the oven.
Can I cook this recipe using a frozen beef roast?
Yes, you can cook this roast from frozen, which is ideal for busy schedules.
How long does a frozen roast take to bake?
If the roast is frozen, it should be baked for 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
Do I need to sear the beef before putting it in the oven?
No, you do not need to sear the beef; simply place it directly into the roasting pan.
What type of roasting pan is best for this recipe?
A deep covered roasting pan is best to ensure there is enough room for the roast, vegetables, and braising liquid.
Should I mix the cola and soup before pouring them over the roast?
No, do not mix them. Layer the soup over the meat and then pour the cola over the top so the flavors meld naturally during cooking.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
Any standard potato, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, works well when cut into chunks.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be cut into chunks and placed around the roast in the liquid.
Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?
Yes, cream of celery or cream of onion soup can be used as substitutes for a similar creamy texture.
What does the cola do for the beef roast?
The cola acts as a tenderizer for the meat and adds a unique depth of flavor and slight sweetness to the gravy.
Can I use diet cola or sugar-free soda?
It is recommended to use regular cola because the sugar helps with the caramelization and consistency of the gravy.
Does the final dish taste like soda?
No, the cola flavor transforms during the long cooking process, resulting in a savory, rich gravy rather than a sweet soda taste.
How is the gravy made?
The gravy forms automatically as the beef juices, cream of mushroom soup, cola, and onion soup mix combine while baking.
Can this recipe be prepared in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours in a slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, although the liquid ratios may need slight adjustment; typically a roast this size takes 60-80 minutes under high pressure.
Is this an affordable meal for families?
Yes, it uses common pantry staples and budget-friendly cuts of beef that become very tender through slow cooking.
Why is it important to keep the lid on while cooking?
Keeping the lid on traps the steam and moisture inside, which is essential for tenderizing the beef and cooking the vegetables.
How long should the roast rest after it comes out of the oven?
Allow the roast to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices stay within the meat.
How many people does a 3 lb roast serve?
A 3 lb roast typically serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Since it includes potatoes and carrots, it pairs perfectly with a green salad, steamed broccoli, or warm rolls.
How should I store any leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked roast and gravy?
Yes, the meat and gravy freeze well. However, the potatoes may become slightly grainy in texture after thawing.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday dinner?
Absolutely; the rich flavor and impressive presentation of the sliced beef and gravy make it great for festive occasions.
What type of beef roast is best for braising?
Chuck roast, rump roast, or bottom round roast are the best choices for this slow-braising method.
Do I need to add extra water or broth to the pan?
No, the 16 ounces of cola and the canned soup provide plenty of liquid to cook the roast and vegetables.
Can I add other vegetables like onions or celery?
Yes, you can add extra hearty vegetables like onions or celery chunks to the pan for even more flavor.