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Slow Cooker Coca Cola Pot Roast

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A plate of mashed potatoes topped with shredded pot roast, potatoes, and gravy sits on a red checkered cloth, with a glass and a soda bottle in the background.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:8 hours
Total Time:8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (3 pound) boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes halved
  • 4 carrots cut into pieces
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 (12 ounce) can Coca Cola
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (1 ounce) envelope beefy onion soup mix
  • 1 (1 ounce) envelope brown gravy mix
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • Parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Season your chuck roast with the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder.
  • In a large skillet over medium high heat melt your butter.
  • Sear the roast in the skillet until browned on each side.
  • Add the roast to the slow cooker.
  • Add the potatoes, carrots and onion around the roast.
  • Whisk together the coca cola, worchestershire sauce, beefy onion soup mix, brown gravy and garlic together.
  • Pour the sauce over the roast and veggies.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 until the meat is tender and falls apart.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve!

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Sear for flavor: Browning the roast before adding it to the slow cooker builds a deeper, richer flavor in the final dish.
  • Cut veggies evenly: Keep potatoes and carrots roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
  • Don’t skip the sauce mix: Whisking the cola, Worcestershire, soup mix, and gravy together before pouring ensures all the flavors meld evenly into the broth.
  • Low and slow wins: For the most tender beef, cook on low for 8 hours instead of high, worth the wait!
  • Thicken at the end: If you want a thicker gravy, remove the roast and veggies, then whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) into the sauce and cook on high for 5–10 minutes until thickened.

Substitutions

  • Beef: Swap chuck roast for brisket or bottom round if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Coca Cola: Use Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, or root beer for a fun twist.
  • Butter: Olive oil works in a pinch for searing.
  • Potatoes: Substitute Yukon golds or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Variations

  • BBQ Pot Roast: Replace half the Coca Cola with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
  • Herb Lovers: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to the pot for a more savory, herb-forward roast.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for subtle heat.
  • Open-Faced Sandwiches: Shred the roast and serve over thick slices of bread with plenty of gravy for a diner-style dinner.
  • Cheesy Mash Upgrade: Skip the potatoes in the slow cooker and instead serve the roast over creamy cheddar mashed potatoes.
Servings: 4 servings