There is something mighty comforting about a brisket that can be put together with just a handful of pantry staples and left to do its slow work in the oven. This oven baked 3-ingredients cola beef brisket is the sort of Sunday dish that feels right at home on a football table, at a church supper, or around a family kitchen where folks keep sneaking slices before supper is called. Cola has long been used in home kitchens to add sweetness and help build a rich brown glaze, and paired with brisket it turns into a tender, savory roast with that old-fashioned sweet-smoky flavor people remember.
Serve this brisket with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a pan of baked beans to catch all that lovely sauce. For a football spread, I like to set it out with soft sandwich rolls, coleslaw, dill pickles, and potato salad so folks can build hearty brisket sandwiches. It is also fine alongside roasted carrots, skillet green beans, or a simple wedge of cornbread.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredients Cola Beef Brisket
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 beef brisket, about 4 to 5 pounds
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
2 cups cola
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the brisket fat side up in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven.
2. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the brisket, then pour the cola around and over the meat.
3. Cover the pan tightly with a lid or heavy foil and bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the brisket is fork tender.
4. Remove the brisket from the oven and carefully uncover it. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes.
5. While the brisket rests, spoon off excess fat from the pan juices if needed. Slice the brisket thinly against the grain, return the slices to the pan, and spoon the sauce over the top. If you want a thicker glaze, place the uncovered pan back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Arrange the sliced brisket on a serving platter and spoon the dark, glossy sauce over it before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a deeper onion flavor: If your family likes a stronger savory note, use a slightly larger brisket and keep the same packet of soup mix, but be sure to baste the meat once or twice during the last hour if you uncover it for glazing.
Make it ahead: Brisket is often even better the next day. Bake it, cool it in the sauce, refrigerate overnight, and slice it cold the next day for neat pieces. Then warm the slices gently in the pan juices until hot.
For sandwiches: Shred or chop part of the brisket instead of slicing it, then pile it onto soft buns with pickles or slaw for an easy game day supper.
If the sauce is too thin: After the brisket comes out, remove the meat and bake the uncovered pan juices for a few extra minutes until they reduce a bit. Then spoon that richer sauce back over the sliced brisket.
Keep it tender: The biggest secret with brisket is patience. Do not rush the oven temperature, and always slice against the grain so each bite stays tender instead of stringy.