There’s something incredibly satisfying about a home-cooked meal that’s both hearty and comforting-especially when it involves a classic family favorite like pork roast. Today, we’re diving into an old-school recipe that’s often tucked away in the corners of vintage cookbooks but remains a beloved dish for any family gathering. The Campbell Soup Pork Roast Recipe is one of those dishes that manages to be both simple and incredibly flavorful, with a wonderful blend of savory and subtly sweet notes that come together beautifully.
This recipe is straightforward, uses pantry staples, and doesn’t require a ton of prep work, but the result is a tender, juicy roast with a rich, savory gravy that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday dinner or preparing a meal for the family during the week, this dish can easily become a regular in your rotation. Let’s break it down step by step, with all the ingredients and instructions you’ll need to make this delectable roast the centerpiece of your next meal.
Campbell Soup Pork Roast Recipe
This recipe has been around for decades, primarily thanks to Campbell’s Soup, which has been a staple in American kitchens for years. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The pork roast becomes incredibly tender while roasting, thanks to the moisture and flavor that Campbell’s soup imparts. The dish is naturally paired with a savory broth that you can spoon over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread.
The soup-typically a cream-based variety-works as both a marinade and a cooking medium, infusing the pork with flavor and helping it retain moisture throughout the roasting process. Let’s dive into the specifics of the recipe so you can get cooking!
Ingredients Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Fortunately, the ingredients are fairly easy to find and don’t require any fancy spices or hard-to-find items:
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Pork Roast (about 3-4 Pounds)
You can opt for any cut of pork that suits your preference-shoulder, loin, or tenderloin will work well for this recipe. Pork shoulder tends to be more forgiving when it comes to roasting and results in a juicy, flavorful dish.
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Campbell’s Cream Of Mushroom Soup (1 Can)
This is the key to the dish’s creamy texture and savory depth of flavor. The mushroom soup adds a subtle earthiness that complements the pork beautifully. It also acts as a liquid base for the roast, keeping the meat tender and juicy as it cooks.
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Garlic (2-3 Cloves, Minced)
Garlic adds a punch of savory flavor that elevates the richness of the pork roast and the soup. It’s a simple ingredient, but one that’s essential for depth.
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Onion (1 Large, Sliced)
A sliced onion brings sweetness and a mild sharpness to balance out the creamy richness of the soup. It also caramelizes during cooking, adding more flavor to the overall dish.
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Herbs And Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Thyme, And Rosemary)
Fresh thyme and rosemary are ideal, but dried herbs work perfectly fine. These earthy herbs really bring out the flavors in the pork, and a bit of salt and pepper is needed to season everything to perfection.
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Vegetables (Carrots, Potatoes, Optional)
If you want to make this meal more of a one-pot wonder, you can add carrots and potatoes to the pan. These veggies soak up the flavors from the roast and soup, making them a perfect side dish.
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Water Or Broth (1 Cup)
This will be used to ensure the pork roast stays moist during cooking. Chicken broth or vegetable broth works well, or you can use water if you want a more neutral base.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how you’ll prepare the pork roast, step-by-step. It’s really as simple as placing everything into a roasting pan and letting it work its magic in the oven.
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Preheat The Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the pork to cook slowly and evenly, breaking down the fat while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
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Prepare The Pork
Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps with the seasoning process. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your herbs (rosemary and thyme) all over the pork, rubbing it in to make sure it’s evenly seasoned.
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Make The Soup Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup with 1 cup of water or broth. Stir it together until it’s fully combined. You’ll have a slightly thinner version of the soup that will create a flavorful liquid for the roast to cook in.
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Prepare The Vegetables
If you’re adding vegetables, layer sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions in the bottom of the roasting pan. These vegetables will cook in the flavorful broth and absorb all the rich taste from the pork and soup.
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Roast The Pork
Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the vegetables, then pour the soup mixture over the roast. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid. Roast in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The exact time may vary based on the size of the roast.
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Check For Tenderness
About halfway through, check the roast to ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. If it’s drying out, add a little more water or broth. When the roast is done, the meat should be fork-tender, and the internal temperature should be at least 145°F (63°C).
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Serve
Once the roast is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon some of the savory soup mixture over the meat and vegetables. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a hearty loaf of bread to soak up all the flavorful gravy.
Ingredient Insights
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Pork Roast
The beauty of using a pork roast is its versatility. Depending on your budget and preference, you can use pork shoulder, pork loin, or tenderloin. Each cut has its own advantages, but pork shoulder is typically the go-to because of its rich marbling, which results in a juicier roast.
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Campbell’s Cream Of Mushroom Soup
This soup is not just for casseroles-it acts as a rich and creamy base for many recipes. Its mild mushroom flavor pairs beautifully with the savory pork, while the creaminess balances out the richness of the meat.
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Herbs And Garlic
The combination of rosemary and thyme is often associated with roasted meats for a reason. These herbs bring out the natural flavors of the pork without overpowering it. Garlic, on the other hand, adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
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Vegetables
The vegetables in the pan do more than serve as a side dish. They act as a flavor sponge, absorbing the savory broth from the pork and becoming tender and delicious by the end of the cooking process.
Expert Tips
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For Extra Flavor
Sear the pork roast in a hot skillet before roasting. This adds a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor, thanks to the Maillard reaction (the browning process that brings out complex flavors).
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Add Wine Or Vinegar
If you like a bit of tanginess to balance the richness of the soup, add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar to the soup mixture before roasting.
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Slow Cooker Alternative
If you prefer a slow-cooked option, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps but set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’ll be just as tender and flavorful.
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For A Crispy Exterior
If you love a crispy, browned crust, remove the lid or foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking and increase the oven temperature to 400°F. This will help the roast brown up nicely.
Recipe Variations
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Mushroom Lovers
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you can double the amount of cream of mushroom soup and add fresh mushrooms to the pan for an even richer mushroom flavor. This variation really enhances the earthy, umami qualities of the dish.
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Spicy Kick
Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup mixture for a bit of heat. This variation adds an exciting kick to the otherwise mild dish.
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Herb Infusion
If you want to elevate the herbal flavors even further, try adding fresh sage or oregano along with the rosemary and thyme. Sage, in particular, pairs wonderfully with pork.
Final Words
This Campbell Soup Pork Roast Recipe is a true classic, offering comfort, flavor, and ease. It’s one of those meals that brings a sense of nostalgia, while still being perfect for any occasion. The creamy soup-based gravy and tender roast come together effortlessly, making it the kind of dish you can serve with confidence, knowing everyone will enjoy it. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-you can adapt it with different vegetables, herbs, or even flavors to make it your own.