Get ready to bring the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel right into your kitchen with this delightful copycat roast beef recipe! Perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any family gathering. Let’s dive into the secrets behind recreating this homey, beloved meal, so you can impress at the dinner table without stepping foot outside your door. Join me in the kitchen as we master this hearty classic together!
Why you will 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 the Roast:
- Lean roast beef: The star of our show, lean and ready for seasoning.
- Salt and pepper: Simple yet essential, these will enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
For the Gravy:
- Mushroom soup: Creamy and rich, this adds a luxurious depth to our gravy.
- Beef broth: The foundation of our gravy, providing a robust beefy backbone.
- All-purpose flour & cornstarch: These will help thicken our gravy to just the right consistency.
- Bay leaves: Their aromatic magic infuses the gravy with a subtle, earthy flavor.
For Sautéing:
- Onion & garlic: These aromatics are key for building those deep, irresistible flavors.
- Frying oil: A splash ensures our onions and garlic cook to perfection, softening and releasing their fragrance.
Storing Instructions:
Storing this Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef couldn’t be easier, and it’s a fantastic way to extend the joy of your delicious meal! Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or simply want to savor the flavors a little longer, these tips will ensure your roast beef stays as delightful as the day you made it. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Cool the roast beef quickly and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze for Later: If you’ve made a big batch, freezing is a great option. Wrap the roast beef tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy your roast beef again, reheat it gently in the oven or on the stove. Add a splash of beef broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
Expert Tips for the Best Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef
Creating the perfect Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your roast beef is as tender and flavorful as the beloved restaurant version:
- Select the Best Cut: Choose a high-quality lean beef cut, like top round, for the best results.
- Season Well: Generously season with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s natural flavors.
- Cook Slowly: Roast at a lower temperature to allow the beef to cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Smooth Gravy: Prevent lumps by mixing flour and cornstarch with cold water before adding to the gravy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to let the juices settle.
- Golden Sauté: Cook onions and garlic until golden for a richly flavored gravy.
Variations
Exploring variations of the classic Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef can add a delightful twist to your dinner repertoire. Here are some creative ways to spice up this beloved dish, ensuring every bite remains as comforting and satisfying as the original:
- Herb Infusions: Add rosemary, thyme, or sage to the roast before cooking. These herbs complement the beef beautifully and add a fragrant touch to your dish.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the gravy. It’ll give your roast beef a pleasantly spicy flavor that’s not overwhelming.
- Mushroom Variety: Switch up the mushroom soup with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for a deeper, earthier gravy flavor.
- Wine Deglaze: After sautéing the onions and garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine. This not only lifts the fond (the browned bits) from the pan but also adds a rich, complex flavor to the gravy.
- Onion Upgrade: Use caramelized onions instead of just sautéed for a sweeter, more intense onion flavor in your gravy.
- Garlic Roast: Roast a whole garlic bulb alongside the beef, then squeeze the soft, roasted cloves into your gravy for a mellow and deep garlic taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
For truly tender and flavorful roast beef, similar to what you’d enjoy at Cracker Barrel, opt for a top round roast. This cut is lean yet flavorful and becomes wonderfully tender when cooked slowly
The key to juicy roast beef is slow cooking at a low temperature and making sure not to overcook it. Additionally, letting the roast rest for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful.
Absolutely! This roast beef reheats well, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. After cooking, let it cool, then slice and store in the fridge, covered, in its juices or gravy. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove with a bit of beef broth to keep it moist.
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.
