"Mary Jayne's Delight" is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, capturing the comforting essence of home-cooked meals. This dish, which likely originated in mid-20th century American kitchens, combines hearty cuts of meat with creamy cheddar cheese soup and tangy tomato sauce, creating a savory, melt-in-your-mouth roast perfect for family gatherings. Notably, Mary Jayne herself specified the exclusion of herbs like basil and oregano, giving this dish its distinctively simple, bold flavor. This no-frills, oven-baked classic is a true testament to the timeless charm of American comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 lb chuck roast
- Salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 2 onions (medium, chopped)
- 1/4 tsp dried basil (optional, recommended NO)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano (optional, recommended NO)
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Brown the Meat
- Preheat oven to 475°F
- Place the chuck roast or steak in a baking pan and brown in the oven
Step 2: Season & Add Ingredients
- Season roast with salt and pepper
- Add chopped onions over and around the meat
- Add tomato sauce and cheddar cheese soup
- (Do NOT add basil or oregano if following the original intent)
Step 3: Bake Covered
- Cover the baking dish
- Lower oven temperature to 325°F
- Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours or until meat is tender and flavors are well combined
Tips
- For a spicier twist, consider adding chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cheddar cheese soup for a richer, earthier flavor.
- Use a slow cooker for added convenience—cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Nutrition
Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 34gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 590mgPotassium: 936mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 407IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!