Tender Roast

Prep: 10 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tender Roast offers a comforting, hearty meal with melt-in-your-mouth pork or beef, infused with savory onion and creamy celery soup. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it requires minimal preparation and slow cooking, delivering rich flavors and juicy tenderness with every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 or 3 lb. roast or 6 pork chops
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of celery soup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Spray a pan with Pam or non-stick spray.
  2. Slice the onion and layer it in the bottom of the pan.
  3. Wash the roast or pork chops, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the roast on top of the sliced onions in the pan.
  5. Cover the roast with the undiluted cream of celery soup.
  6. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 hours.
  8. The dish will create its own gravy during cooking.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider marinating the roast overnight with herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you don't have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken can serve as great substitutes. To enhance the dish, add sliced carrots or potatoes to the pan for a one-pan meal. Always ensure the meat is well-seasoned for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tender roast with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy created during cooking. A side of steamed vegetables, like green beans or a fresh salad, pairs nicely. For a complete meal, consider incorporating a refreshing dish like Summer Succotash to balance the richness of the roast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the roast in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water and cover with foil. Heat in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tender Roast contains roughly 173 calories, with 8g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

173 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 10.3g 13% DV
Carbs 12g 4% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 847.5mg 37% DV
Potassium 186.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 23.8mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 26.8mg 2% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the roast with chicken, lamb, or even a tougher cut of beef. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked. For example, chicken breasts will require less time than a beef roast.

Is it necessary to cover the pan with foil?

Covering the pan with foil is essential as it traps steam, keeping the meat moist and helping it cook evenly. If you omit this step, the meat may dry out, leading to less tender results. For a crispy top, you can remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What can I do if my roast is tough after cooking?

If your roast turns out tough, it may need more cooking time. Try returning it to the oven, covered, for an additional hour at a low temperature. Alternatively, slice the meat thinly against the grain and serve it with ample gravy to improve tenderness.

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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