Cracker Barrel Roast Beef

It might be discontinued from the menu at the moment, but with this Cracker Barrel Pot Roast recipe, you’ll make slow-roasted, fork-tender roast beef from the comfort of your slow cooker or Instant Pot making it one of your favorite chuck roast recipes!

If you’ve ever been on a road trip in America, you know that Cracker Barrel is a staple restaurant of the country. We frequent them on the road and we absolutely love that they offer free RV parking overnight which is great for when we go camping on a budget.

Not only is the atmosphere cozy, the comfort food is always good southern cuisine. So when I heard that the cracker barrel roast beef discontinued, I was super sad. It was seriously one of the best restaurant roast beef that taste like I made it at home. So what did I do, I made it at home.

This cracker barrel roast beef recipe is inspired by the original but can be made right at home using simple ingredients. You can make it in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or even in a Dutch Oven!

🍖 Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chuck Roast – This cut, known for its rich marbling, becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making it the star of our savory roast beef.
• Roast Beef Spices (salt, pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder) – Each of these simple spices bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients and give them a bold savory flavor.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing, it helps develop a flavorful crust on the roast. You can also use ghee or avocado oil.
• Yellow Onion – When sautéed, it gives a natural sweetness and depth to the dish, enriching the gravy’s flavor.
• French Onion Soup (canned) – Deepens the savory essence and contributes to a luscious gravy while saving some time.
• Beef Broth – Provides moisture and enhances the beefy flavor, ensuring the roast remains juicy throughout cooking.
• Cornstarch – Combined with water to form a slurry, it thickens the cooking juices into a silky, mouth-watering gravy.

🥣 How To Make Cracker Barrel Roast Beef

1️⃣Season the Beef: Generously season the chuck roast with salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder on all sides. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

2️⃣Sear the Roast: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned roast and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until a deep golden-brown crust forms.

3️⃣Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced yellow onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate extra flavor into the dish.

4️⃣Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared roast to the slow cooker. Pour the French onion soup and beef broth over the meat, making sure the roast is partially submerged. Add the sautéed onions on top. Check below for other cooking methods.

5️⃣Slow Cook Until Fork-Tender: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender.

6️⃣Make the Gravy: Once the roast is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Tent it with foil to keep warm while making the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the gravy thicken for 5 to 10 minutes.

7️⃣Shred and Serve: Use two forks to shred the beef into large chunks or slice it against the grain for tender bites. Spoon the rich onion gravy over the meat and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or warm cornbread for a comforting meal. Enjoy!

🍲Other Cooking Methods

Pressure cooker: Start by using the sauté function on the Instant Pot to sear the chuck roast directly in the pot. Once the meat has a golden crust, remove it and sauté the onions until softened. Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up all the browned bits for extra depth. Add the roast back in along with the French onion soup and remaining beef broth, then seal the lid and set it to high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release of at least 15 minutes. If you prefer a thicker gravy, turn on the sauté function again and stir in a cornstarch slurry, letting it simmer until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.

Dutch Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F while you sear the chuck roast in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat, creating a rich, caramelized crust on all sides. Remove the roast and sauté the onions in the same pot, allowing them to pick up all the browned bits left behind. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth, then add the roast back in along with the French onion soup and remaining broth. Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the oven, letting it braise for about 3 to 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender. If you want a thicker gravy, remove the roast once it’s done and whisk in a cornstarch slurry over low heat until the sauce thickens.

🥕How To Add Vegetables To Roast Beef

Adding vegetables like potatoes and carrots to your roast beef not only makes for a heartier meal but also allows them to absorb all the rich flavors of the slow-cooked broth and beef juices.

• For the slow cooker, add large chunks of potatoes and carrots about halfway through the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft. If you prefer a softer texture, you can add them at the beginning, but cut them into larger pieces so they hold their shape.
• For the Instant Pot, add potatoes and carrots after the beef has finished cooking, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes with a quick release. This prevents the vegetables from turning mushy under high pressure.
• For a Dutch oven, add the vegetables for the last 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking so they tenderize slowly without falling apart. Other great additions include parsnips, celery, or even pearl onions.

👩🏻‍🍳Expert Tips

• Let the beef sit at room temperature before cooking: Taking the chuck roast out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before searing helps it cook more evenly and develop a deeper crust when browned.
• Pat the roast dry before searing: Excess moisture prevents a good sear, so use paper towels to blot the roast before seasoning.
• Sear in batches if needed: If using a smaller pan, sear one side at a time rather than overcrowding. A deep, golden crust is what locks in flavor, and crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead.
• Deglaze the pan after searing: After browning the beef and onions, pour a splash of beef broth into the pan and scrape up all those flavorful browned bits.
• Use a tight-fitting lid: Whether cooking in a Dutch oven or slow cooker, a snug lid traps moisture and prevents the beef from drying out. If a lid is loose, use a layer of foil under it to create a better seal.
• Let the roast rest before shredding: Giving the beef at least 10 minutes to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, making each bite more tender and flavorful. Cutting into it too soon causes moisture loss.
• Shred or slice against the grain: Look at the natural muscle fibers in the meat and cut perpendicular to them for the most tender texture. This small step makes a huge difference in how easily the beef falls apart.
• Thicken the gravy gradually: When adding a cornstarch slurry, stir it in slowly while the liquid simmers. This prevents clumping and lets you control the thickness, so the gravy doesn’t end up too thick or too thin.

🥪Ways To Serve Roast Beef

• Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwich – Serve shredded or sliced roast beef over a thick slice of toasted bread, smothered in rich gravy. Perfect with a side of mashed potatoes for a comforting diner-style meal.
• Classic Roast Beef Dinner – Plate the beef alongside buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a ladle of gravy for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
• Roast Beef Sliders – Pile the beef onto soft slider buns with melted cheese and a smear of horseradish sauce, then bake until warm and golden. Great for parties or a quick dinner.
• Chicago-Style Italian Roast Beef Sandwich – Pile thinly sliced roast beef onto a crusty Italian roll, then dip the whole sandwich into flavorful au jus. Top with spicy giardiniera for an authentic Chicago-style experience packed with bold flavor and heat.
• Beef and Noodles – Toss shredded roast beef with egg noodles and some of the thickened gravy for a simple, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
• Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Load a fluffy baked potato with shredded roast beef, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a filling and flavorful twist.
• Philly-Style Roast Beef Sandwich – Melt provolone cheese over sliced roast beef and serve it on a toasted hoagie roll with sautéed onions and peppers for a delicious take on a cheesesteak.
• Roast Beef Hash – Chop leftover beef into bite-sized pieces and sauté it with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a crispy, savory breakfast topped with a fried egg.
• French Dip Sandwich – Load a hoagie roll with sliced roast beef and serve with a side of warm au jus for dipping. Perfect for anyone who loves a rich, beefy flavor in every bite.

🍽️ What To Serve with Roast Beef

• Sauteed Mushroom & Peas
• Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob
• Air Fryer Frozen Okra
• Sous Vide Glazed Baby Carrots
• Baked Brie Mac and Cheese
• Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Collard Greens with Black-Eyed Peas
• Green Chili Yellow Squash Casserole

🧊Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Leftover roast beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it with some of the cooking juices to prevent it from drying out, and let it cool to room temperature before sealing.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cooled roast beef in a freezer-safe bag or container along with some of the gravy to maintain moisture. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or gravy to keep it moist, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For a quick option, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or warm in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, until heated evenly.

❔FAQ

🐄 More Easy Beef Dinner Recipes

Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Instant Pot Short Ribs
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Sous Vide Corned Beef
Sous Vide Chuck Roast
Paleo Hamburger Skillet