Cracker Barrel Roast Beef Recipe – Homestyle
Comfort Food Made Easy

There’s something special about the Roast Beef at Cracker Barrel-tender, juicy, and full of homestyle flavor. The best part? You don’t have to wait for your next restaurant visit.

This recipe lets you bring that same comforting dish to your own kitchen, complete with slow-cooked beef, rich onion gravy, and that Southern touch everyone loves.

Price: $13-$15 |  450-500 Calories

Cracker Barrel Roast Beef Recipe (Easy Homemade Copycat)

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef (chuck roast)
• 2 tablespoons (olive oil)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, (minced)
• 3 cups (beef broth)
• 2 tablespoons (Worcestershire sauce)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons (butter)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon (black pepper)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast in hot oil, turning until each side develops a deep, flavorful crust.

Cook Onions & Garlic: Add sliced onions and garlic to the same pan, letting them soften and turn aromatic. Cook until soft and fragrant.

Build the Gravy Base: Stir in flour and butter. Sprinkle in flour, then slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire until the gravy becomes smooth and velvety.

Combine & Slow Cook: Transfer the roast and gravy mixture into a slow cooker (or Dutch oven). Season with salt and pepper.

Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours (or in the oven at 325°F for about 3 hours) until the beef is fork-tender.

Serve & Enjoy: Slice or shred the roast, spoon gravy on top, and serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for the full Cracker Barrel feel.

Tips for the Best Flavor:

• Choose beef chuck for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Rest the roast before slicing so it stays juicy.
• Store leftovers in the fridge-tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is more than just a meal it’s comfort in every bite. The beef cooks low and slow until it’s fork-tender, and the gravy adds that signature Cracker Barrel taste we all crave. Whether it’s Sunday dinner with family or a weeknight craving, this roast beef copycat recipe never disappoints.

Cracker Barrel Roast Beef Price & Value

The Roast Beef at Cracker Barrel costs about $13–$15, depending on location. You get a big serving with sides, so it feels worth the price. Families like it because it’s filling and budget-friendly compared to many restaurants.

Cracker Barrel Roast Beef: Calories, Nutrition & Facts

Cracker Barrel’s roast beef is all about hearty comfort food, but it’s also fairly balanced. One serving with gravy and sides usually falls between 450–550 calories, depending on portion size and what extras you choose.

The beef itself is a solid source of protein, giving you the energy to stay full longer. However, the rich gravy and slow-cooked style add extra fat and sodium, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you’re watching your intake.

• Fat: 29g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Carbohydrate: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 45g
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 3mg
• Potassium: 520mg

👉 For a lighter choice, enjoy the roast beef with fresh veggies, green beans, or a crisp side salad instead of heavier sides like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes. That way, you still get the classic Cracker Barrel flavor while keeping the meal a little more balanced.

Cracker Barrel Roast Beef Allergens & Gluten Info

• Dairy: Present in mashed potatoes, gravy, and some biscuits.
• Wheat/Gluten: Found in biscuits and any flour used in gravies or seasonings.
• Soy: Some seasonings or sauces might contain soy, so check if sensitive.
• Barley or Malt: Could appear in certain seasonings or gravies.

Tip for Gluten-Free or Allergy-Friendly Meals:
You can usually ask for a side swap-like vegetables instead of biscuits, and skip sauces that may contain wheat or soy.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store your roast beef in a tightly closed container in the fridge, and it will stay good for around 3 days.
• Warm it slowly in a pan with a little broth so it stays tender and juicy.
• For longer storage, freeze smaller portions for up to 2 months-perfect when you need a quick, ready-to-heat meal.

Serving Suggestions

This roast beef tastes even better when paired with your favorite traditional sides.

• Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy
• Steamed vegetables or green beans
• Homemade biscuits or cornbread
• A crisp garden salad for balance

This creates the same homestyle plate you’d get at the restaurant.

Further, pick your favorite taste, browse to check Cracker Barrel Menu! 🥘🍗🍤🥂

FAQS

Final Thoughts:

Cracker Barrel roast beef is the kind of meal that instantly feels like home-warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. I still remember the first time I tried this recipe at home; the tender beef and rich gravy brought back all the comforting flavors I love from the restaurant.

With this copycat version, you can enjoy the same cozy taste anytime, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet night in.