Papa Bear's Pot Roast from Black Bear Diner features tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast simmered with hearty carrots, celery, and onions, served in a rich, savory gravy that highlights comforting, homestyle flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Equipments
- Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot with lid
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 large carrots
- 3 celery stalks
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional; substitute with more beef broth if desired)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Choose a well-marbled beef chuck roast weighing between 3 to 4 pounds to ensure tender, flavorful meat after slow cooking. Fresh vegetables like large yellow onions, carrots, and celery add essential depth and sweetness to the gravy, so using quality produce will enhance the dish's overall taste. If red wine is not available or preferred, substituting with additional beef broth maintains the rich, savory base without compromising flavor. Measuring your herbs and seasonings accurately, including thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce, is key to balancing the classic homestyle flavors. Your hearty and melt-in-your-mouth Papa Bear's Pot Roast from Black Bear Diner copycat menu is best made with these thoughtfully selected ingredients for an authentic experience.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat beef chuck roast dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef roast on all sides until browned; remove and set aside.
- Roughly chop onion, carrots, and celery.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to Dutch oven; sauté until softened.
- Mince garlic and add to pot; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste; cook 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits; simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Return seared beef to pot.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Cover pot with lid and transfer to preheated oven.
- Braise for 3-4 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
- Remove beef and vegetables to a platter; tent with foil.
- Strain cooking liquid if desired; return to pot.
- Mix all-purpose flour and cold water into a slurry.
- Stir slurry into liquid over medium heat; simmer until thickened.
- Slice or shred pot roast; serve with vegetables and gravy.
Substitution
Papa Bear's Pot Roast from Black Bear Diner is a beloved copycat dish known for its tender beef chuck slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and savory gravy. If you don't have red wine on hand or prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute with additional beef broth for a similarly rich flavor. When using a Dutch oven, ensure it is oven-safe and has a tight-fitting lid to retain moisture during cooking. Adjust the thickness of the gravy by varying the amount of flour slurry, made from flour and cold water, until you reach your desired consistency. You can swap out dried herbs for fresh ones by tripling the amount, enhancing the aroma and freshness of your pot roast.
Tips
Make sure to pat the beef chuck roast dry before seasoning; this helps achieve a better sear for enhanced flavor. Searing the meat over medium-high heat until browned locks in juices and provides the signature caramelized crust. When adding the flour slurry to thicken the gravy, stir constantly and cook until you see a smooth, glossy texture to avoid lumps. Your pot roast will taste best if you allow it to braise slowly at 325degF (165degC) for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are fully softened.
Nutritions
Papa Bear's Pot Roast provides a substantial source of protein from the slow-cooked beef chuck roast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of carrots, celery, and onions adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune function and digestion. Using beef broth and minimal oil keeps saturated fat moderate, while herbs and spices contribute flavor without added sodium. Your meal delivers balanced macronutrients and micronutrients, making it a hearty and nourishing option for a satisfying dinner.
Storage
Store leftover Papa Bear's Pot Roast in airtight containers to maintain its tender texture and rich gravy. Keep your pot roast refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and freshness. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the oven to prevent drying out and ensure even heat distribution.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the beef chuck roast for a boneless brisket to achieve a slightly leaner texture while maintaining rich flavor. Replace the red wine with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a tangier profile if wine is unavailable. Instead of searing the meat on the stovetop, try using a slow cooker on low for 8 hours to enhance tenderness without frying. For gluten-free gravy, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder, mixing with cold water before stirring into the cooking liquid.
Allergies
Papa Bear's Pot Roast contains common allergens such as wheat from all-purpose flour and potentially sulfites in red wine and Worcestershire sauce. Individuals with allergies to gluten, sulfites, or certain herbs like rosemary should exercise caution when consuming this dish. You can modify the recipe by using gluten-free flour and omitting red wine to better accommodate your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
Papa Bear's Pot Roast from Black Bear Diner is favored for its tender, slow-cooked beef infused with a rich blend of herbs and savory seasoning. The dish features hearty, melt-in-your-mouth meat paired with perfectly roasted vegetables and a robust gravy that captures down-home comfort food at its finest. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate that authentic, comforting flavor in your own kitchen, saving money while enjoying a beloved classic. Your homemade pot roast can match the full-bodied taste and satisfying texture that fans of Black Bear Diner consistently crave.