This was one of my favorite meals, to get at Cracker Barrel, unfortunately they took it over the menu, so today we are making my famous Copycat Cracker Barrel Beef Stew Recipe.
This is the perfect recipe for everyone loves a hearty stew, on a cold wintery evening. Being from Boston, once October starts, we move into soup season, and this is one of the best recipes!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prep fan or simply looking to find new meals to make in your Ninja Foodi, this one will soon become one of your favorites!
If you love easy Ninja Foodi Recipes, try my recipe for Ninja Foodi Hamburgers, ninja foodi copycat cheesecake factory chicken & rice soup, or Ninja Foodi Lamb Chops.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Rich, Savory Flavor – Tender beef and vegetables simmered in a flavorful, comforting broth.
- Hearty & Filling – Packed with potatoes, carrots, and tender beef for a satisfying meal.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy the taste of Cracker Barrel without leaving your kitchen.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it stress-free.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy weekend cooking.
Cracker Barrel Beef Stew Ingredients
- Beef stew meat – Tender chunks of beef, perfect for slow cooking
- Carrots – Fresh carrots, peeled and sliced for natural sweetness
- Potatoes – Cubed potatoes, adding heartiness and texture to stew
- Celery – Crisp celery, diced for flavor and aromatic depth
- Onion – Chopped onion to enhance savory, rich stew flavor
- Garlic – Minced garlic for fragrant and flavorful seasoning
- Beef broth – Rich, savory liquid base to cook the beef
- Tomato paste – Adds depth, color, and subtle tomato flavor
- Worcestershire sauce – Boosts savory, umami taste in the stew
- Flour – Thickens the stew for a perfect, hearty consistency
- Salt & pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors
- Thyme – Earthy herb that complements beef and vegetables
How To Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Beef Stew
Season the Beef: Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper.
Sear Beef: Set the Ninja Foodi to ‘Sauté’ and heat the olive oil. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in the carrots and celery (and diced potatoes, optional) and cook for a few minutes more.
Deglaze: Pour in a bit of the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot along with the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Give the beef stew a good stir.
Pressure Cook: Close the Ninja Foodi pressure cooking lid and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 35 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, set the Ninja Foodi to ‘Sauté.’ Mix the corn starch and water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Allow the stew to simmer until thickened to your liking.
Add Peas: Stir the frozen peas and let them warm for about 5 minutes.
Serve: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Let the beef stew rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Beef Stew Recipe Tips
- Use well-marbled beef – Choose stew meat with some fat for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Brown the meat first – Searing beef before pressure cooking enhances the stew’s rich, savory flavor.
- Cut vegetables evenly – Ensures carrots, potatoes, and celery cook uniformly under pressure.
- Don’t skip the thyme – This earthy herb perfectly complements beef and vegetables.
- Thicken if needed – Use a slurry of flour or cornstarch in sauté mode for a richer gravy.
- Season to taste – Adjust salt and pepper after cooking for optimal flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Storing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Cool completely and transfer leftover stew to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in covered microwave-safe containers.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Beef Stew Recipe FAQs
Can I make this stew in advance? Yes! This beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker? Absolutely! Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until beef and vegetables are tender.
Can I freeze this stew? Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or peas for added variety.
What cut of beef is best for stew? Chuck roast or beef stew meat works best for tender, flavorful results.
More Easy Ninja Foodi Recipes
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Copycat Cracker Barrel Beef Stew
Description
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme , or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening
Instructions
- Season the 2 pounds beef chuck generously with Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Set the Ninja Foodi to 'Sauté' and heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the 1 large onion and 3 cloves garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in the 3 carrots and 2 celery stalkscooking for a few minutes more.
- Pour in a bit of the 4 cups beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
- Return the beef to the pot along with the 1 pound potatoes, the rest of the beef broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme . Stir well to combine.
- Close the Ninja Foodi lid and set it to 'Pressure Cook' on high for 35 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, set the Ninja Foodi to 'Sauté'. Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew. Allow the stew to simmer until thickened to your liking. Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Stir in the f1 cup frozen peas and let them warm through for about 5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful beef stew, perfect for a cozy meal.
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker
Nutrition
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