Ultimate Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Copycat Pot Roast Recipe
Craving the hearty, comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel’s legendary pot roast but want the convenience of cooking at home? Look no further! This incredible slow cooker copycat recipe brings the restaurant classic right to your kitchen. Imagine perfectly tender beef, slowly cooked alongside sweet carrots and crisp celery, all enveloped in a rich, savory onion gravy that’s simply irresistible. The best part? It all comes together with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight meal or a cozy Sunday dinner, guaranteeing a delicious experience that rivals the original.
If you’re anything like me, you’re a big admirer of Cracker Barrel’s beloved comfort dishes. My enthusiasm for recreating these favorites at home is evident in my popular Cracker Barrel meatloaf copycat and slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples recipes. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about mastering these classic flavors in your own kitchen, often with a budget-friendly twist that makes them even more appealing.
Naturally, this delectable Cracker Barrel Pot Roast recipe was next on my list of “must-make at home” dishes, and let me assure you, it absolutely exceeded expectations. The taste is spot-on, mirroring the deep, slow-braised flavor of the original, which is typically made with a rib roast. However, our version utilizes more accessible and affordable cuts of beef in a convenient crockpot, making it a fantastic alternative without compromising on that authentic, fall-apart tender deliciousness. If you adore Cracker Barrel’s famous pot roast, this simple, homemade rendition is truly for you – it’s a game-changer for homemade comfort food.
This is a quintessential “dump-and-go” slow cooker recipe. All the primary ingredients are combined in your crockpot at the very beginning, and then the slow cooker effortlessly handles the rest. This minimal-fuss approach is perfect for busy weekdays or when you want a hearty meal without hours of active cooking. After several hours of gentle simmering, you’re rewarded with incredibly tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, perfectly cooked vegetables like carrots and celery, and a rich, savory gravy that begs to be spooned generously over every component of your meal. It’s the ultimate hassle-free comfort meal, making dinner prep a breeze.
Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This Cracker Barrel copycat pot roast isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, exceptional flavor, and maximum comfort. Here’s why this particular slow cooker pot roast is destined to become a beloved staple in your home cooking repertoire:
- Authentic Cracker Barrel Flavor Profile: We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to capture the distinctive, heartwarming taste of the original, ensuring every bite is a nostalgic journey to your favorite country store restaurant. The blend of ingredients perfectly mimics that beloved savory goodness.
- Effortless “Dump-and-Go” Preparation: Say goodbye to complex steps and endless stirring! This recipe requires no initial searing or elaborate prep work, making it incredibly beginner-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights. Simply combine your ingredients in the crockpot and let your slow cooker work its magic.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Enjoy gourmet, restaurant-quality flavors without breaking the bank. This recipe utilizes common, affordable ingredients readily available at any grocery store, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be expensive.
- Unbelievably Fall-Apart Tender Beef: Thanks to the magic of slow cooking, the beef transforms into incredibly succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pieces. The low and slow method ensures that even tougher cuts become wonderfully tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Creates Its Own Rich, Savory Gravy: This pot roast generates its own generous supply of thick, luscious gravy. Seasoned perfectly with onion and beef flavors, this homemade gravy is ideal for smothering over your favorite sides, adding an extra layer of decadence to every forkful.
- Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers: Not only is this dish incredibly satisfying fresh, but it also tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping and enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week.
- A True Family Favorite: A classic American comfort food, this pot roast appeals to all ages and palates. It’s guaranteed to be a hearty, satisfying hit at your dinner table, perfect for creating cherished family meal memories.
Key Ingredients for Our Crockpot Cracker Barrel Pot Roast
The brilliance of this pot roast recipe lies in its straightforward nature and the thoughtful selection of common ingredients that collectively deliver maximum flavor. This section provides detailed notes on each essential component, offering helpful insights and substitution options to ensure your homemade Cracker Barrel pot roast is absolutely perfect every time. All precise measurements and step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Stew Beef (2.5 – 3 lbs): For achieving that signature Cracker Barrel tenderness, we recommend using about 2.5 to 3 pounds of stewing beef. You can often find pre-cut stew beef cubes in the meat section of your grocery store, which significantly cuts down on prep time. Alternatively, a chuck roast is an excellent, classic choice for pot roast; simply purchase a whole chuck roast and cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes yourself. Chuck roast is prized for its generous marbling, which slowly breaks down during the extended cooking process, yielding incredibly moist, flavorful, and fall-apart meat.
- Carrots (6, peeled and chopped): These root vegetables add essential natural sweetness and a subtle earthy flavor that beautifully complements the rich beef. Be sure to peel your carrots first to ensure a smooth texture, then chop them into approximately 1-inch pieces.
- Celery Stalks (4, chopped): Celery provides a refreshing, slightly peppery note and textural contrast. Chop the celery to a similar size as the carrots (around 1-inch pieces). Keeping the vegetable pieces relatively uniform in size ensures they cook evenly and reach that perfect tender consistency without becoming mushy or undercooked.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth (14.5 oz can): We specifically opt for low-sodium beef broth to maintain precise control over the overall saltiness of the finished dish. This is a crucial point because both the brown gravy mix and the onion soup mix already contain a significant amount of sodium and concentrated flavorings. Using low-sodium broth allows you the flexibility to adjust the seasoning to your exact preference before serving, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste.
- Low-Sodium Brown Gravy Mix (2 x 0.87 oz packets, divided): This ingredient is key to both flavoring and thickening our pot roast. You’ll need two standard packages. One package is added into the slow cooker at the beginning, providing a rich, savory base that infuses the beef and vegetables with delicious flavor as it slow cooks. The second package is reserved for the final step, where it acts as the thickening agent, transforming all those wonderful cooking liquids into a luscious, pourable gravy that coats everything beautifully.
- Onion Soup Mix (1 x 1 oz packet): This humble packet is truly a secret weapon for achieving that deep, complex, savory, and umami-rich flavor that is so characteristic of Cracker Barrel’s pot roast. A single 1-ounce packet of onion soup mix provides a perfectly balanced blend of dried onions and various seasonings, significantly enhancing the overall profile of the dish without the need for fresh onions to be chopped or sautéed. It’s a true, convenient flavor booster that makes a huge difference.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Pot Roast
Making this mouthwatering copycat Cracker Barrel Pot Roast in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, designed for ease of preparation and consistently delicious results. Follow these simple, clear steps, complete with illustrative photos, to effortlessly create a heartwarming, restaurant-quality meal that your family will adore. For the full, detailed printable recipe card, including exact ingredient measurements and comprehensive cooking times, please scroll down to the very end of this post.
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients in the Slow Cooker. Begin by gathering all your prepped ingredients. Add your prepared stew beef (or cubed chuck roast), along with the uniformly chopped carrots and celery, into the basin of your slow cooker. Next, pour in the entire can of low-sodium beef broth. Evenly sprinkle one of the brown gravy mix packets and the entire onion soup mix packet over the ingredients in the pot. Give everything a good, thorough stir to ensure all the meat and vegetables are well-coated with the seasonings and liquid. This initial mixing is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavors during the long cooking process.
Pro Tip for Enhanced Flavor:
While this recipe is thoughtfully designed to be a hassle-free “dump-and-go” dish without the need for additional steps like searing, you can absolutely enhance the depth of flavor and achieve a richer color by searing the beef first. Before adding the beef to the slow cooker, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are nicely browned on all sides. This process creates a delicious caramelized crust (known as the Maillard reaction) that adds an extra layer of savory, complex taste to your pot roast. Once seared, transfer the beef to the slow cooker and then proceed with adding the remaining ingredients as directed in the recipe.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection. Once all ingredients are combined, secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Now, the magic happens! Cook the pot roast on the LOW setting for a duration of 6 to 8 hours. If your schedule is tighter and you need to cook it more quickly, you can opt for the HIGH setting, which will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. The essential goal here is to cook until the beef is incredibly tender and easily falls apart with the gentle pressure of a fork, and the vegetables are soft and fully cooked through. Remember to resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as doing so releases valuable heat and moisture, which can prolong the overall cooking time and affect the tenderness of the meat.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy to a Luscious Consistency. Once the pot roast has finished cooking and the beef has reached its desired fall-apart tenderness, it’s time to create that irresistible, thick, and luscious gravy. Carefully remove the lid and stir in the remaining second brown gravy packet directly into the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with all the delicious cooking liquids. Stir well to ensure the mix is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. Replace the lid and allow it to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on the same setting (low or high). This short extra cooking time allows the gravy to thicken beautifully, creating a rich, smooth sauce that is absolutely perfect for serving over your entire meal.
Step 4: Serve and Savor Every Comforting Bite! Your homemade Cracker Barrel Pot Roast is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately, generously spooning the tender beef, perfectly cooked carrots, and crisp celery, along with plenty of that amazing, savory gravy, over your chosen classic comfort food sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are an absolute quintessential pairing, as they effortlessly soak up all the flavorful gravy. However, fluffy white rice or wide egg noodles also work wonderfully, providing an excellent base to capture every precious drop of that delicious, aromatic sauce! Prepare for a truly satisfying and heartwarming meal.
Perfect Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions
This savory slow cooker pot roast, featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef and tender vegetables in a rich, onion-infused gravy, is the quintessential comfort food for any occasion, especially a hearty Sunday night dinner or a cozy family gathering. To complete this truly memorable meal and ensure every bit of that incredible gravy is savored, pair your tender pot roast with these classic, complementary sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate, most classic pairing! Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes are absolutely ideal for absorbing every last drop of the rich, savory gravy, making every bite pure comfort and bliss.
- Homemade Biscuits: Serve a basket of warm, flaky biscuits alongside. Our popular homemade 7-Up biscuits or a traditional buttermilk biscuit recipe would be fantastic choices. They are perfect for dipping into the luscious gravy or simply serving as a delightful accompaniment.
- Fluffy Rice or Wide Egg Noodles: For an excellent alternative to potatoes, fluffy white rice or broad egg noodles are superb choices. They provide a neutral, absorbent base that beautifully highlights the pot roast’s robust flavors and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Southern Cornbread: A warm slice of sweet potato cornbread or traditional, slightly sweet cornbread adds a delightful Southern touch and offers another wonderful option for scooping up the savory gravy.
- Classic Green Beans: Steamed or Southern-style green beans, perhaps cooked with a touch of bacon or a ham hock for extra depth, offer a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the pot roast.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Beyond the carrots and celery in the pot roast, consider adding a side of roasted parsnips or sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and earthiness.
- Party Potatoes: For a more indulgent and crowd-pleasing side, our creamy and cheesy party potatoes will offer a decadent complement that truly elevates your comfort food meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pot roast, balancing the meal beautifully.
No matter which delicious sides you choose, this hearty Cracker Barrel copycat pot roast is guaranteed to become a cherished new family tradition at your dinner table!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Pot Roast
One of the many fantastic advantages of this slow cooker pot roast is its excellent storage capabilities and how beautifully it reheats. In fact, many enthusiasts find that the flavors deepen and meld even further overnight, making it taste even better the next day!
- Refrigerator Storage: To properly store any delicious leftovers, first ensure the pot roast has cooled completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer all components – the tender beef, cooked vegetables, and rich gravy – into an airtight food storage container. It will keep beautifully and safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoyable weekday lunches or dinners.
- Freezer Storage: This pot roast is also an excellent candidate for freezing, providing a convenient solution for future meal preparations. Place the cooled pot roast (including the meat, vegetables, and gravy) into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags or containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For optimal taste and texture, always thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with reheating.
- How to Reheat Pot Roast:
- Slow Cooker Method: For larger portions or to maintain maximum tenderness, you can gently reheat the pot roast directly in your slow cooker. Use the “warm” setting or the low setting, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through evenly. This method helps prevent the beef from drying out.
- Stovetop Method: Transfer the desired amount of pot roast to a pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed. This is a great option for medium-sized portions.
- Microwave Method: For small, individual portions, the microwave offers the quickest and most convenient reheating option. Place the pot roast in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between each interval, until it is steaming hot.
Pro Tip for Gravy Consistency During Reheating: The rich gravy may thicken considerably once it cools and is refrigerated or frozen. If you find it too thick when reheating, simply add a splash of extra beef broth or a tablespoon or two of water. Stir it in gradually until you achieve your desired luscious, pourable consistency.
Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Cracker Barrel Pot Roast
Unlock the full potential of your slow cooker Cracker Barrel pot roast with these expert tips and tricks, designed to ensure your dish is as flavorful and tender as possible, every single time.
- Low and Slow for Unmatched Tenderness: For the most incredibly tender, fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth beef, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of cooking your pot roast on the LOW setting of your slow cooker for the full duration. This extended, gentle cooking allows the tough connective tissues in the beef to break down slowly and completely, resulting in unparalleled tenderness that simply can’t be rushed.
- Prepare in Advance for Convenience: This entire meal is an excellent candidate for advance preparation, making it fantastic for entertaining guests or simply easing the burden of busy weekdays. Cook the pot roast as directed, then allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. Gently reheat it the next day using your preferred method for a stress-free, delicious meal that often tastes even better!
- Shred or Keep Chunks – Your Preference: Once the pot roast is fully cooked, the beef will be so incredibly tender that you can easily shred it apart with two forks. If you prefer a shredded pot roast for serving on sandwiches, tacos, or simply for a different texture, go for it! Otherwise, the larger, succulent, fall-apart chunks are equally delicious and satisfying.
- Boost the Aromatics with Additional Ingredients: For an even deeper and more complex flavor profile, consider adding some fresh aromatics to your slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process. Minced garlic (about 4-5 cloves), a thinly sliced yellow onion, or a medley of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano will infuse the pot roast with wonderful aromatic notes, enhancing its overall richness.
- Customize with Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize your pot roast by adding more vegetables to the mix! White button mushrooms (whole or halved), quartered potatoes (added about 2-3 hours into cooking so they don’t become overly mushy), or frozen green peas (stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking) would all be excellent, hearty additions. Just ensure any larger, denser vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Always Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before finally serving your masterpiece, it’s crucial to taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might find it benefits from a pinch more salt, a generous grind of fresh black pepper, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami depth.
- Don’t Forget the Pan Drippings: All those flavorful drippings are gold! Make sure to scrape down the sides of the slow cooker and incorporate all the rich pan liquids into your gravy for maximum flavor.
More Irresistible Crockpot Beef Recipes
If you loved the ease, comfort, and delicious flavors of this slow cooker Cracker Barrel Pot Roast, you’ll certainly want to explore these other fantastic crockpot beef recipes. They offer the same incredible convenience and mouth-watering results, making them perfect additions to your meal plan for busy weeknights or special occasions when you need a hearty, fuss-free dish:
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks: A true classic comfort food, effortlessly made tender and flavorful right in your crockpot with a rich mushroom gravy.
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef: Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave incredibly tender, savory corned beef with minimal fuss.
- Slow Cooker Brisket: Achieve juicy, fall-apart brisket with a smoky, rich flavor, all with minimal effort thanks to your slow cooker.
- Crockpot Steak Bites: Tender, bite-sized pieces of flavorful steak perfect for appetizers, a quick main course, or even meal prepping.
Cracker Barrel Pot Roast (Slow Cooker Copycat)
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 2½ – 3 lbs stew beef or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 carrots peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 celery stalks chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
- 2 (0.87 oz) packets low-sodium brown gravy mix divided
- 1 (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
Instructions
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Add the beef, carrots, celery, beef broth, one brown gravy packet, and the onion soup mix to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring everything is coated.
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily falls apart with a fork, and the vegetables are soft and fully cooked.
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Once the beef is tender, remove the lid and stir in the second brown gravy packet. Replace the lid and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a rich, savory gravy.
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Serve your delicious Cracker Barrel Pot Roast hot and generously spooned over creamy mashed potatoes, wide egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up all that wonderful gravy.
Notes
Storage: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, the pot roast can be frozen for up to 3 months; ensure it is in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Temperature: For the most incredibly fall-apart tender results, it is highly recommended to cook the pot roast on the LOW setting for the full duration. This slow, gentle cooking process ensures optimal tenderness and flavor development.
Gravy Consistency: If your gravy appears too thick after cooling or reheating, simply add a splash of beef broth or water (a tablespoon at a time) and stir until your desired luscious consistency is reached.
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