Cracker Barrel Beef Menu
The Cracker Barrel beef menu features country-style beef dishes ranging from comfort food classics to premium steak options. Understanding the available selections, pricing, and preparation methods helps guests make informed choices when craving beef at this Southern-style restaurant chain. Visit cracker barrel menu for complete menu.
Available Beef Entrees at Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel’s beef offerings emphasize homestyle preparation and generous portions:
| Beef Entree | Description | Price Range | Included Sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Fried Steak | Breaded beef cutlet with white pepper gravy | $10.99 – $12.99 | 3 sides + buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins |
| Grilled Sirloin Steak | 8 oz USDA Choice sirloin | $14.99 – $17.99 | 3 sides + bread |
| Roast Beef | Slow-roasted beef with brown gravy | $11.99 – $13.99 | 3 sides + bread |
| Meatloaf | Homestyle beef meatloaf with tomato topping | $10.99 – $12.99 | 3 sides + bread |
| Pot Roast | Tender beef with vegetables and gravy | $12.99 – $14.99 | 2-3 sides + bread |
Prices vary by location and are subject to change
Each entree provides substantial portion sizes designed to satisfy hearty appetites, with side dishes adding significant value to overall meal cost.
Country Fried Steak Details
The Country Fried Steak remains Cracker Barrel’s most popular beef item, featuring a tenderized beef cutlet coated in seasoned flour breading and fried until golden. The dish comes smothered in white pepper gravy made from pan drippings.
Preparation Method:
- Beef cutlet hand-breaded in-house
- Deep fried at high temperature for crispy exterior
- Served immediately with hot gravy
- Traditional Southern preparation style
Customization Options:
- Gravy on the side (prevents sogginess for takeout)
- Extra gravy at no additional charge
- Request well-done for extra crispy texture
- Substitute brown gravy (not traditional but available)
Nutritional Considerations: Approximate 750-850 calories for the steak and gravy alone, before adding sides. Choosing vegetable sides like green beans and turnip greens keeps total meal under 1,200 calories.
Grilled Sirloin Steak Specifications
The Grilled Sirloin represents Cracker Barrel’s premium beef offering:
| Steak Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cut Type | USDA Choice Sirloin |
| Weight | 8 oz before cooking |
| Preparation | Seasoned and grilled to order |
| Temperature Options | Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, Medium Well, Well Done |
| Seasoning | House blend of salt, pepper, and spices |
Ordering Recommendations: Request medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness. Sirloin becomes tougher when cooked beyond medium-well due to lower fat content compared to ribeye or strip steaks.
Enhancement Options:
- Add sautéed onions ($1.49-1.99)
- Add sautéed mushrooms ($1.49-1.99)
- Peppercorn sauce on the side ($0.99-1.49)
- Butter-topped preparation (clarify when ordering)
Meatloaf Preparation and Ingredients
Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf follows traditional American comfort food standards:
Key Ingredients:
- Ground beef (primary component)
- Bread crumbs as binder
- Eggs for moisture retention
- Onions and bell peppers
- Tomato-based topping/glaze
- Proprietary seasoning blend
The meatloaf is baked in-house daily, sliced to order, and topped with signature tomato sauce. Each portion represents approximately 2 slices of a standard loaf, weighing 7-9 oz.
Best Paired With: Mashed potatoes and brown gravy create the quintessential comfort food combination. Add green beans or corn for complete traditional American dinner plate.
Roast Beef and Pot Roast Differences
While both feature slow-cooked beef, these items differ significantly:
| Feature | Roast Beef | Pot Roast |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Used | Bottom round or eye of round | Chuck roast |
| Cooking Method | Oven roasted, sliced thin | Braised with vegetables |
| Vegetables | Served separately | Cooked with meat |
| Gravy Type | Brown beef gravy | Pot liquor reduction |
| Texture | Sliced tender beef | Fork-tender, pulls apart |
| Serving Style | Stacked slices | Chunked with vegetables |
Pot roast typically includes carrots, potatoes, and onions cooked alongside the beef, while roast beef serves as sliced meat with gravy, similar to a hot beef sandwich deconstructed.
Beef Availability at Breakfast
Cracker Barrel offers limited beef options during breakfast hours:
Breakfast Beef Items:
- Country Fried Steak and Eggs: Full country fried steak with two eggs, hashbrown casserole, and biscuits ($11.99-13.99)
- Sunrise Sampler with Beef Sausage Patties: Alternative to pork sausage
- Steak and Eggs (select locations): 6 oz sirloin with eggs and breakfast sides
The Country Fried Steak and Eggs provides the most substantial beef breakfast option, combining the popular dinner entree with traditional breakfast components.
Side Dish Pairings for Beef Entrees
Strategic side selection complements beef dishes:
Classic Pairings:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy: Universal beef accompaniment
- Mac and cheese: Rich, creamy contrast to savory beef
- Green beans: Light vegetable balance
- Fried apples: Sweet counterpoint to savory flavors
- Coleslaw: Cool, crunchy texture contrast
- Steak fries: Traditional steakhouse-style pairing
For Lighter Meals: Choose three vegetable sides (green beans, turnip greens, and carrots) to keep calorie count reasonable while maintaining portion satisfaction.
For Maximum Indulgence: Select loaded baked potato, mac and cheese, and hashbrown casserole for ultimate comfort food experience.
Nutritional Information Overview
Understanding approximate nutritional content assists with dietary planning:
| Beef Entree (Without Sides) | Calories | Protein | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country Fried Steak with Gravy | 750-850 | 35-42g | 45-55g | 1,600-1,900mg |
| Grilled Sirloin (8 oz) | 450-550 | 50-58g | 22-28g | 800-1,100mg |
| Meatloaf (2 slices) | 520-620 | 32-38g | 28-35g | 1,200-1,500mg |
| Roast Beef | 380-480 | 40-48g | 18-24g | 1,100-1,400mg |
| Pot Roast | 420-520 | 38-45g | 20-26g | 1,300-1,600mg |
Side dishes add 100-400 calories each depending on selection. A complete meal typically ranges from 1,000-1,800 calories.
Quality and Sourcing
Cracker Barrel emphasizes quality in beef sourcing:
- Sirloin steaks are USDA Choice grade or higher
- Beef supplied through contracted distributors meeting quality standards
- Country fried steak uses tenderized round steak
- Meatloaf contains ground beef blend (typically 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- No added hormones or steroids (following USDA regulations)
Best Value Beef Options
Analyzing cost per ounce and included components:
Highest Value: Country Fried Steak provides largest portion with three sides and bread for $10.99-12.99, offering approximately 8-10 oz breaded beef plus substantial accompaniments.
Premium Value: Grilled Sirloin at $14.99-17.99 delivers restaurant-quality steak with three sides, competitive with standalone steakhouse entree prices that don’t include sides.
Budget Option: Meatloaf at $10.99-12.99 offers hearty portion with traditional sides at lowest price point for beef dinner.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Beef Options
Cracker Barrel occasionally introduces limited-time beef offerings:
- Summer grilling specials featuring upgraded steak cuts
- Holiday pot roast variations with seasonal vegetables
- Beef tips over rice or noodles (rotating special)
- Steak and shrimp combinations during promotional periods
Check with local restaurants or the mobile app for current limited-time beef offerings.
Ordering Tips for Optimal Experience
Maximize satisfaction with these practical strategies:
For Steaks:
- Specify exact temperature preference; Cracker Barrel tends toward more well-done unless clearly stated
- Order during dinner rush (5:30-7:30 PM) when steaks are freshly grilled
- Request steak be cooked in cast iron for better sear (available at some locations)
For Country Fried Steak:
- Order for dine-in when possible; breading loses crispness quickly in takeout containers
- Request extra gravy if you prefer heavily sauced dishes
- Ask for steak to be “extra crispy” if you like more crunchy texture
For Meatloaf and Roast Beef:
- These items hold up well for takeout
- Request gravy on the side for meal prep purposes
- Ask what time meatloaf was baked for freshness confirmation
Budget Strategy: Visit during lunch hours when some locations offer reduced pricing on select beef entrees. Weekday lunch specials may feature country fried steak or meatloaf at $1-2 discount.
Takeout and Catering Considerations
Beef items translate to takeout with varying success:
Best for Takeout:
- Meatloaf (retains moisture and reheats well)
- Pot roast (improves with resting time)
- Roast beef (holds temperature, stays tender)
Challenging for Takeout:
- Country fried steak (breading loses crispness)
- Grilled sirloin (continues cooking in closed container)
Catering Options: Cracker Barrel’s Heat n’ Serve meals include beef options for 4-10 people, featuring pot roast, meatloaf, or roast beef with sides at $39.99-89.99 depending on size.
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel beef menu provides diverse options from comfort food classics to quality steak preparations. Country fried steak dominates as the signature beef dish, offering traditional Southern preparation and exceptional value. The grilled sirloin serves guests seeking restaurant-quality steak with substantial sides included. Meatloaf, roast beef, and pot roast round out the menu with familiar, satisfying options. Success with Cracker Barrel beef entrees depends on understanding preparation styles, ordering at optimal times, and selecting complementary sides. Whether seeking budget-friendly comfort food or premium steak dinner, the beef menu accommodates various preferences while maintaining the homestyle cooking standards that define the Cracker Barrel dining experience.