When it comes to weeknight dinners, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you try something new or stick with a classic? According to the late Robin Williams, the answer was simple: go with what you love—and in his case, that meant pot roast.
The beloved actor once admitted he wasn’t exactly a whiz in the kitchen. In fact, in one interview, he joked that his culinary skills didn’t extend far beyond opening a box. “Oh, I’m awful,” he said of his cooking skills, noting that he could make…cereal.
Lucky for Williams, he had personal chef John Mathias on hand to handle meals for his family. Mathias revealed in the book Star Palate: Celebrity Cookbook for a Cure that Williams’ favorite dinner was a comforting pot roast with caramelized onion gravy. It’s classic, simple and easy to pull off—what’s not to love?
Related: The Comforting Italian Dish Sopranos Star Michael Imperioli Swears By
What Makes Robin Williams’ Favorite Dinner So Special?
Beyond the Robin Williams connection, there are a few reasons to love this dish. Pot roast is a cozy, comforting dish that appeals to many people—especially the meat and potatoes crowd. The hearty meal cooks slowly, which helps build flavor and turns the tough cut of meat meltingly tender.
Even better? It’s a budget-friendly, high-protein dish that can easily feed a crowd or stretch into leftovers for the week—think next-day sandwiches or shredded beef tacos. With just one roast, you can create multiple meals, making it an economical, satisfying and practical dish.
And with the added touch of caramelized onion gravy, this pot roast recipe hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, rich and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—much like watching your favorite Robin Williams film.
Related: How to Make Roasted Vegetables 10x Better, According to Hugh Jackman (and His Mom)
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔
How to Make Robin Williams’ Favorite Dinner
Williams’ favorite pot roast recipe was excerpted by The Recipe Circus. You can get all of the details there, but here’s the gist.
Start by preheating your oven to 325°. Trim the excess fat from a boneless chuck roast, then season it with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over high heat, sear the meat on all sides until browned, and set it aside.
In the same pot, reduce the heat and add sliced onions. Cook until caramelized, then stir in red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, carrots, celery and bay leaves. Return the meat to the pot and bring the liquid to a boil. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Roast the meat for 2–3 hours, flipping the meat halfway through for even cooking.
Once tender, remove the meat and vegetables, discard the bay leaves and whisk flour into the juices to create a thick, savory gravy. Serve the roast hot with the gravy and your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, buttered noodles or roasted veggies are all great options.
It’s cozy, classic, and full of heart—just like Robin. And after one bite, you’ll see why this was his ultimate comfort meal.
Related: The Mexican Way to Make French Toast 10x Better, According to Eva Longoria
