Cracker Barrel Pot Roast Recipe
Introduction
This Cracker Barrel Pot Roast recipe brings comforting, tender beef with savory vegetables and rich gravy straight to your slow cooker. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it’s simple to prepare and full of classic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2½ – 3 lbs stew beef (or chuck roast)
- 6 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
- 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
- Step 1: Add the beef, carrots, celery, beef broth, one brown gravy packet, and the onion soup mix to your slow cooker. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
- Step 3: Stir in the second brown gravy packet, then cover again and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Step 4: Serve the pot roast hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a complete comforting meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes or mushrooms along with the vegetables for a fuller meal.
- Use homemade beef broth for a richer taste and less sodium.
Storage
Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast or stew beef work best due to their tenderness when slow-cooked. Avoid lean cuts as they can dry out during long cooking.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
You can simmer the ingredients in a heavy pot over low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if needed.
PrintCracker Barrel Pot Roast Recipe
A classic comfort food, Cracker Barrel Pot Roast is a hearty and tender beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with carrots, celery, and a rich brown gravy sauce. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Sodium
Ingredients
Meat
- 2½ – 3 lbs stew beef (or chuck roast)
Vegetables
- 6 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 4 celery stalks (chopped)
Liquids and Mixes
- 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
- Prepare Ingredients: Add the stew beef, peeled and chopped carrots, chopped celery stalks, low-sodium beef broth, one packet of brown gravy mix, and the onion soup mix into your slow cooker. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Cook the Roast: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the beef to cook until it is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the Gravy: Stir in the second packet of brown gravy mix into the slow cooker. Cover again and allow it to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the sauce thickens nicely.
- Serve: Once the gravy has thickened and the beef is tender, serve your Cracker Barrel Pot Roast hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a complete and wholesome meal.
Notes
- Use stew beef or a chuck roast for best results as they become tender after slow cooking.
- Low-sodium ingredients help control salt content, making the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Make sure to stir the gravy mix well to avoid lumps and get a smooth sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Customize by adding potatoes or onions for extra flavor and texture.
Keywords: pot roast, slow cooker recipe, beef stew, comfort food, Cracker Barrel style, brown gravy, slow cooking, easy dinner
