Bob Evans' Pot Roast Dinner features tender, slow-cooked beef roast paired with hearty carrots, savory potatoes, and rich brown gravy, all presented as a comforting, homestyle meal bursting with warm, satisfying flavors.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Peeler
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Large serving platter or plates
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2.5–3 lb (1.1–1.4 kg) beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 large carrots
- 1.5 lb (680g) russet potatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Salt
- Black pepper
Choosing a 2.5-3 lb beef chuck roast is essential for a tender, slow-cooked pot roast with rich flavor. Use fresh vegetables like large yellow onions, carrots, and russet potatoes to maintain the hearty texture and natural sweetness of the dish. Measure 4 cups of beef broth and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste precisely to achieve the perfect savory base for your gravy. You should season with dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to enhance the depth and aroma of the meal. Your copycat Bob Evans Pot Roast Dinner will deliver a comforting, homestyle experience packed with warm, satisfying flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Peel and chop onion, carrots, and potatoes.
- Season beef roast with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef roast on all sides until browned; transfer to slow cooker or Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes around the roast.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Pour broth mixture over beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low (slow cooker) for 8–9 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Transfer beef and vegetables to serving platter with tongs.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Skim fat from cooking liquid if desired.
- Stir cornstarch slurry into the hot broth in the cooker or Dutch oven.
- Cook on high for a few minutes until gravy thickens.
- Remove bay leaves from sauce.
- Ladle gravy over beef and vegetables.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Bob Evans' Pot Roast Dinner is a classic homestyle meal featuring tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked with carrots, potatoes, and a rich brown gravy made from beef broth and aromatics. If you don't have a slow cooker, a Dutch oven works equally well for slow, even cooking to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture. When selecting potatoes, russets are ideal for their ability to absorb flavors and hold shape, but Yukon Gold can be used as a creamier alternative. For thickening the gravy, cornstarch mixed with cold water provides a smooth consistency, which you can swap with flour for a different texture. You can easily adjust seasoning by adding fresh herbs instead of dried ones if preferred, but be sure to add fresh herbs toward the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Tips
Make sure to sear the beef roast on all sides in hot vegetable oil before slow cooking to lock in juices and enhance flavor. Use fresh or properly dried herbs like thyme and rosemary to avoid bitterness and maintain a balanced taste. When thickening the gravy, stir the cornstarch slurry well to prevent lumps and cook the sauce until it visibly thickens for the best texture. You should also season your beef generously with salt and black pepper to ensure the flavors penetrate during the long cooking process.
Nutritions
Bob Evans' Pot Roast Dinner provides a rich source of protein from the 2.5-3 lb beef chuck roast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The carrots and russet potatoes contribute valuable dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, supporting heart health and digestion. The slow-cooked beef broth and vegetables, combined with herbs like thyme and rosemary, offer antioxidants and minerals that enhance overall nutrition. Your meal strikes a balance between hearty calories and nutrient-dense ingredients, making it filling yet nourishing.
Storage
Store any leftover Pot Roast Dinner in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For best quality, consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days or freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to ensure food safety and preserve the delicious flavors of your meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation in flavor, try substituting red wine for half of the beef broth to deepen the richness of the sauce. You can also add mushrooms or parsnips along with the carrots and potatoes for extra earthiness and texture. Consider marinating your beef roast overnight in Worcestershire sauce and herbs to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption. If you prefer a quicker cooking method, sear the roast and then finish it covered in a preheated oven at 325degF (160degC) for about 3 hours until tender.
Allergies
Bob Evans' Pot Roast Dinner contains common allergens such as beef and Worcestershire sauce, which may include anchovies and soy. Those with allergies to nightshades should be cautious due to the presence of tomato paste and potatoes. If You have known food sensitivities, it is important to check all ingredient labels or consult with a healthcare professional before consuming this meal.
Why this recipe?
Bob Evans' Pot Roast Dinner is loved for its tender, slow-cooked beef paired with savory gravy, rich vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, creating a hearty and comforting meal experience. The restaurant's use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes delivers authentic homestyle flavors that appeal to those seeking a warm, satisfying dish. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this beloved meal at home, customizing seasonings and portions to your preference while saving on dining costs. Your effort in preparing the Pot Roast Dinner replicates the wholesome taste and nostalgic satisfaction found at Bob Evans, making it a rewarding culinary project.