Bring the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel right into your kitchen with this mouthwatering Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef recipe! Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly tender, this hearty dish is sure to impress at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any time you crave a homestyle meal. Let’s dive into the secrets of recreating this classic comfort food so you can enjoy it without leaving your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe because it’s just that good! Imagine the savory, melt-in-your-mouth slices of roast beef that you can whip up with minimal fuss. This copycat recipe brings you all the nostalgia of a Cracker Barrel meal, combined with the pride of creating something scrumptious right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests without spending all day cooking. So, why not give it a try and see just how simple and satisfying homemade can be?
Ingredients for Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef
- Lean roast beef: The star of the show, tender and flavorful.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy richness to the sauce.
- Beef broth: The backbone of a deeply savory gravy.
- All-purpose flour & cornstarch: Ensures the perfect thickness.
- Bay leaves: Infuse an earthy, aromatic depth.
- Onion & garlic: Aromatic staples that build rich, savory flavor.
- Frying oil: Ensures the onions and garlic cook to golden perfection.
How to Store Your Roast Beef
Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap the roast tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Roast Beef
- Choose the Right Cut: Top round or chuck roast are excellent choices for tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t Rush: Slow roasting at a low temperature ensures the beef stays moist and evenly cooked.
- Smooth Gravy: Mix flour and cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
- Resting Is Key: Letting the roast rest before slicing ensures the juices redistribute for tender slices.
- Golden Sauté: Sauté onions and garlic until caramelized for extra depth in your gravy.
If you love this recipe, be sure to try more of our delicious dishes like Baked Honey Mustard Salmon, Greek Chicken Souvlaki Kebab, Smoked Beef Brisket, and Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, each one packed with incredible flavor.
Creative Variations
- Herb-Infused Roast: Add rosemary, thyme, or sage to the roast for an herbal twist.
- Spicy Gravy: Mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Wine-Infused Gravy: Deglaze the pan with red wine after sautéing onions and garlic for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Caramelized Onion Gravy: Swap sautéed onions for deeply caramelized ones for a sweeter, more intense flavor.
- Roasted Garlic: Roast a whole garlic bulb alongside the beef and add the softened cloves to the gravy for an extra layer of richness.
What to Serve with Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef
- Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the savory gravy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with this roast.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft, fluffy biscuits are a must-have for a Southern-inspired meal.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: Add a fresh, crisp side to balance the richness of the beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Top-round roast is a great choice for its tenderness and lean profile, but chuck roast works well for extra flavor and juiciness.
How do I ensure my roast beef isn’t dry?
Slow cooking at a low temperature is key. Also, let the beef rest after cooking to retain its juices.
Can I Prepare This as a Meal Prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook the roast beef, slice it, and store it in individual portions with gravy in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully, making it an easy, flavorful option for busy weekdays.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs lean roast beef
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 can of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp frying oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Mix flour with salt and pepper. Pat the beef dry and coat on all sides in all-purpose flour. Then shake off excess flour.
- Heat 2 tbsp frying oil and fry the beef for 3-4 minutes on each side on medium heat. A crust should form on the surface of the beef.
- In another pan, in the remaining oil, fry the onion and garlic, stirring, for 5 minutes.
- Combine mushroom soup, beef broth, and sautéed onion and garlic in a pressure cooker. Add bay leaf.
- Put the beef in the pot. Close the pressure cooker with a lid and cook under pressure for 60 minutes.
- When the timer beeps, gently release the pressure and remove the beef. Disassemble with two forks into fibers.
- Stir the starch in two tablespoons of water and pour into the saucepan. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Mix the beef with the sauce and serve, for example, with breakfast buns.
