Orange Spice Pot Roast

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A tender, flavorful pot roast infused with orange, cinnamon, and tomatoes, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions seeking warm, aromatic comfort food.

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Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 lb. chuck roast
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 large chopped onion
  • 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Brown the chuck roast on both sides in a bowl.
  2. Combine all ingredients except flour and water.
  3. Pour the mixture over the roast.
  4. Bake at 325°F for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
  5. Remove the meat to a platter and discard the bay leaf.
  6. Mix flour and water to make a slurry and add to the juices to make gravy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider searing the chuck roast in a hot skillet before adding it to the baking dish. You can substitute beef broth for orange juice if you prefer a less citrusy taste. If you're out of parsley flakes, fresh parsley will work just fine, just remember to use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

Serving Suggestions

This Orange Spice Pot Roast pairs beautifully with Roasted Fall Vegetables for a comforting meal. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful gravy. A crisp side salad and a slice of crusty bread would complete the dish nicely, making it a well-rounded dinner option.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or in the microwave on medium power.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange Spice Pot Roast contains roughly 524 calories, with 8g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1530mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).

524 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 25.3g 32% DV
Carbs 71.6g 26% DV
Fiber 8.4g 30% DV
Sugar 19.4g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1530mg 67% DV
Potassium 361.7mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 6.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 55.6mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 28.4mg 32% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 290.5mg 22% DV
Iron 9.1mg 50% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brisket or round roast if desired. However, chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. Adjust cooking times as necessary, as different cuts may require different cooking durations.

How can I thicken the gravy if it's too thin?

If your gravy is thinner than desired, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir it into the simmering gravy until it thickens. Alternatively, simmer the gravy uncovered to reduce it further and concentrate the flavors.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can cook this recipe in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Simply sear the meat first for added flavor, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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