Cracker Barrel pot roast is a classic restaurant dish made even better at home in the slow cooker. Tender beef, soft carrots and celery, in a rich, savory onion gravy, come together effortlessly!

Bowl of slow cooker cracker barrel copycat pot roast with carrots, celery, mashed potatoes, and a biscuit.

You may have noticed by my Cracker Barrel meatloaf copycat and slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples that I’m a big fan of Cracker Barrel’s classic comfort dishes. I’m an even bigger fan of home-cooked meals, so I figured, why not make my favorites right at home?

Next up on my “must learn to make” list was this Cracker Barrel Pot roast recipe, and friends, it did not disappoint. The taste is bang on, so if you love Cracker Barrel’s pot roast, usually made with slow-braised rib roast, this budget-friendly, crock pot version is for you.

It’s a true dump-and-go recipe, where all ingredients get added into the crockpot at once, and then the slow cooker does the rest. The results are fall-apart tender meat, cooked carrots and celery, and a rich gravy to smother it all.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Tastes just like Cracker Barrel’s pot roast.
No searing or extra steps needed.
Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
The beef turns out fall-apart tender.
Makes its own rich, savory gravy.

Ingredients for Crockpot Cracker Barrel Pot Roast

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Labeled ingredients in bowls: sliced carrots and chopped celery, raw cubed stew beef, beef broth, onion soup mix, and brown gravy mix.

Stew beef – You can buy stewing beef already cut into cubes, or pick up a chuck roast and cut it into 1-inch cubes yourself.
Carrots and celery – Peel the carrots first and then chop both to about 1-inch pieces. Try and keep them even sized so they cook evenly.
Beef broth – I use low-sodium beef broth because you’ll find the gravy mix and onion soup mix contain enough salt.
Gravy mix – You’ll need 2 packages. One to add while the beef slow cooks and the other one later on to thicken the gravy.
Onion soup mix – For amazing flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Pot Roast

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Collage of four images showing stages of crockpot pot roast preparation: raw stew beef, carrots, celery, and dry mixes in the slow cooker; ingredients stirred together; pot roast fully cooked in thick gravy; and a close-up of a spoon lifting a serving with beef, carrots, and celery.

Step 1: Add the beef and veggies to the basin of the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and sprinkle with the gravy mix and onion soup mix. Stir to combine.

Pro Tip:

Although it’s not necessary, you can certainly sear the surface of the beef in a pan with some olive oil, if you prefer, for that extra flavor.

Step 2: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender and cooked through.

Step 3: Stir in the remaining brown gravy packet and cover once more to let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up all of that yummy sauce!

A bowl of hearty copycat Cracker Barrel pot roast with chunks of beef carrots, and celery in rich gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes and a golden biscuit are served on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Pot roast with beef stew meat is perfect comfort food for Sunday night dinners. Pair the tender pot roast it with classic sides to soak up all the savory gravy. Serve with party potatoes and homemade 7-Up biscuits for a memorable meal sure to become your family’s new favorite!

Storage

Refrigerator: Once completely cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Toss in everything: the meat, veggies, and the gravy.

Freezer: You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you reheat it.

How to Reheat: You can reheat everything back in the slow cooker until warmed through. You can also use a pot on the stove, or the microwave if it’s just a small portion. You may need to add a splash of broth to loosen up the gravy as it warms.

Recipe Tips

I recommend cooking the pot roast on low for the most tender results.
You can prepare the entire meal in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat it the next day.
Shred the beef at the end, if you’d rather that than the chunks.
For extra flavor, toss in some garlic, sliced onion, or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Add extra veggies. White button mushrooms, potatoes, or green peas would be great.

More Crockpot Beef Recipes

Side view of a bowl of crockpot pot roast, featuring stew beef, sliced carrots, celery, mashed potatoes, and a biscuit.

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Bowl of crockpot cracker barrel copycat pot roast with carrots, celery, mashed potatoes, and a biscuit.

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