Zesty Cola Chili Roast
Transform your dinner table with this Zesty Cola Chili Roast, where tender meat meets a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines the savory depth of onion soup mix with the tangy kick of Heinz Chili Sauce or Manwich, perfectly complemented by the effervescent sweetness of Coke. Whether you choose beef or pork, this roast is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds.
6
Servings
583
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roast (beef or pork)
3-5 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Dry onion soup mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (none)
Heinz Chili Sauce or Manwich
1 (12 ounce) jar or 15 ounce can (none)
Coke
12 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
In a large crockpot, place the trimmed roast on the bottom.
2
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast.
3
Pour the chili sauce or Manwich over the seasoned roast, ensuring it covers as much of the meat as possible.
4
Gently pour the Coke around the sides of the roast, taking care not to wash away the seasonings on top.
5
Cover the crockpot with a lid.
6
Cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
7
Once done, remove the roast, slice it, and serve with the flavorful sauce drizzled on top.
Nutrition Information
33
Fat
33
Carbs
42
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cola Chili Roast?
Zesty Cola Chili Roast is a slow-cooked dish where beef or pork is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made from onion soup mix, chili sauce (or Manwich), and Coke.
What type of meat should I use for this roast?
You can use either a 3-5 lb beef roast (such as chuck or rump) or a pork roast (such as pork shoulder or butt).
How long does it take to cook the roast?
The roast should be cooked on low heat in a crockpot for 6 to 7 hours until it is tender.
What are the main ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is composed of one package of dry onion soup mix, one jar of Heinz Chili Sauce (or a can of Manwich), and 12 ounces of Coke.
Can I use Manwich instead of Heinz Chili Sauce?
Yes, a 15-ounce can of Manwich is a perfect substitute for the Heinz Chili Sauce in this recipe.
Is it necessary to use Coke?
Coke provides sweetness and acidity that helps tenderize the meat, but other cola brands like Pepsi will also work.
Should I pour the Coke directly over the meat?
No, it is recommended to pour the Coke around the sides of the roast to avoid washing away the soup mix and chili sauce seasonings on top.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 583 calories.
Do I need to brown the roast before putting it in the crockpot?
Browning is not required for this recipe; you can place the trimmed roast directly into the slow cooker.
What preparation is needed for the meat?
The roast should be trimmed of any excess fat before cooking.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The recipe is 'zesty' rather than hot, offering a tangy kick from the chili sauce balanced by the sweetness of the cola.
Can I use Diet Coke or Zero Sugar Coke?
While you can use diet versions, regular Coke is preferred because the sugar contributes to the caramelization and thickness of the sauce.
What size roast is recommended?
A roast weighing between 3 and 5 pounds is ideal for these ingredient proportions.
Can I cook this on high heat instead of low?
While low heat is recommended for the best texture, you could cook it on high for 3-4 hours, though the meat may not be as tender.
How do I serve the Zesty Cola Chili Roast?
Slice the meat and serve it with the flavorful sauce from the crockpot drizzled over the top.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
One serving contains 33 grams of fat and 42 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, you can add potatoes, carrots, or onions around the roast to make it a complete one-pot meal.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an 'easy recipe' with only 4 main ingredients and minimal preparation steps.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the cooked roast and sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How should I store the cooked roast in the fridge?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I use a different brand of onion soup mix?
Yes, any brand of dry onion soup mix (standard 1 1/4 ounce size) will work.
Does the roast need to be fully covered in liquid?
No, the roast does not need to be submerged. The steam trapped in the crockpot and the sauces provided will cook it thoroughly.
What side dishes go well with this roast?
It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a fresh green salad.
Can I double the recipe?
You can double the recipe if your crockpot is large enough (6-8 quarts), but ensure the lid can still close securely.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a hearty, comfort food meal with a balance of savory onion and sweet, tangy chili-cola sauce.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the pressure cook setting for about 60-80 minutes followed by a natural release, though the slow cooker method is traditional.
Is this roast gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you must ensure your dry onion soup mix and chili sauce/Manwich are certified gluten-free, as many commercial brands contain wheat.