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–+ servings
Mary Jayne's Delight
"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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 435 kcal

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

  • Use cream of mushroom instead of cheddar cheese soup for a milder flavor.
  • Add carrots and potatoes to make it a complete one-pot meal.
  • Replace tomato sauce with diced tomatoes for extra texture.
  • Use a Dutch oven or slow cooker if you prefer not to bake.
  • Add garlic cloves or bay leaves for more depth.
  • Substitute chuck roast with family steak or round roast if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 38gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 3.8mg
Keyword beef dinner, beef roast, cheddar cheese, comfort food, easy casserole style roast, family recipes, pot roast, vintage recipe
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