Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love diving into nostalgic comfort food, and this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe brings all those cozy flavors right to my kitchen. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned chopped steak to the rich, savory onion gravy and the creamy mashed potatoes, every bite feels like a warm, delicious hug. It’s the kind of meal I find myself craving on chilly evenings or whenever I want something satisfying that tastes like a classic Southern dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the amazing flavor combination. The ground beef patties are packed with seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder that melt into the meat, making each bite incredibly juicy and savory. Then there’s the onion gravy, which is silky with just the right amount of sweetness and depth, thanks to the caramelized onions and beef stock reduction. It’s a hearty, soul-soothing plate that never fails to impress me.

Besides the flavors, the ease of preparation is a big win for me. I don’t have to fuss over complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Shaping the patties and searing them quickly builds great texture and flavor, while finishing them in the oven with the onion gravy makes sure they’re tender and cooked perfectly through. This recipe feels special, yet it fits perfectly into weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings whenever I want that comforting, home-cooked feel without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients on a white marbled surface with a wooden cutting board beneath. There are two packages of bright red ground beef wrapped in white trays at the top, two whole white onions with smooth skins slightly off-center, and a carton of beef broth with a colorful soup image on the front to the right. In front of these, there is a blue and white container of Bob Evans original mashed potatoes, three white eggs partially visible, and three small glass jars with black lids labeled onion powder, garlic, and seasoned salt. The entire setup is clean and organized, with the colors contrasting well against the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but so important. Each one plays a critical role in creating the dish’s classic taste, from the juicy beef to the rich gravy and buttery mashed potatoes.

Ground beef (80/20): This ratio keeps the patties nice and juicy while ensuring plenty of flavor.
Eggs: Helps bind the chopped steak mixture so the patties hold together beautifully.
Plain breadcrumbs: Adds a light texture and prevents the steak from becoming dense.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory umami flavor inside the patties and gravy.
Granulated garlic powder and onion powder: Gives depth and warmth to the meat seasoning.
Seasoned salt and black pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning throughout.
Avocado oil: Perfect for a high-heat sear without overwhelming flavors.
Large white onions: When caramelized, these create the base for the rich onion gravy.
Butter and flour: Create a roux for thickening the gravy to a velvety finish.
Beef stock: Adds richness and body to the onion gravy.
Instant mashed potatoes: Simple to prepare and creamy, they soak up all the delicious gravy.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm a cast-iron pan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. This pan will give your steaks that beautiful sear and ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well blended.

Step 3: Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and shape each one into a 1.5-inch thick oval patty. Taking care to make them even will help them cook uniformly.

Step 4: Add the avocado oil to your cast-iron pan, then cook two patties at a time, searing each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Transfer the par-cooked steaks to a tray while you cook the remaining two.

Step 5: In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook them for 4 to 6 minutes or until they soften and start to caramelize, absorbing all those meaty flavors left in the pan.

Step 6: Stir in the butter and flour to the onions and pan drippings to create a roux. Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring until the mixture thickens into a silky gravy. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and season with black pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 7: Nestle the seared chopped steaks back into the pan over the onion gravy. Place the entire pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the steaks reaches 150°F on a meat thermometer.

Step 8: Remove the steaks from the oven and serve immediately atop piping hot mashed potatoes, spooning plenty of onion gravy and caramelized onions over the top for the ultimate comfort plate.

Servings and Timing

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with searing taking an additional 10 minutes or so, and oven time around 20 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to finish, which feels just right for a meal this satisfying. There’s no resting time needed, but letting the patties stand a couple of minutes after baking helps the juices settle for maximum flavor.

How to Serve This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a soft and fluffy texture, the middle layer is a thick, brown cooked meat patty, and the top layer consists of cooked translucent onions in a generous amount of glossy brown gravy that spreads around the plate's edges. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this meal, I love to make sure everything on the plate complements that hearty, home-cooked vibe. Aside from the mashed potatoes, I often add a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a fresh, colorful crunch. The contrast in texture and color brightens the plate beautifully. Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top of the gravy adds a pop of green and freshness that balances the rich flavors.

I like to serve this dish hot, right from the oven, so the gravy is luscious and the mashed potatoes are fluffy and warm. For plating, I gently mound the mashed potatoes, then place the chopped steak right on top, ladling plenty of onion gravy around the edges. It’s all about that inviting presentation that immediately makes you want to dive in.

For drinks, I’m a fan of pairing this with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a well-bodied Merlot, which stands up beautifully to the meaty flavors. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, iced tea with a squeeze of lemon or a sparkling water with a twist of lime works perfectly. This meal feels right at home on a cozy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner where comfort and good company are the main ingredients.

Variations

I’ve experimented with a few twists on this classic recipe that I think you might enjoy. For example, if you want to reduce carbs or gluten, swapping out the breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free crumbs works really well without compromising texture. For a lighter take, I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef; just remember to add a bit more seasoning for richness.

If you’re cooking for plant-based friends, you can try a vegan version using store-bought plant-based ground “beef” or a homemade lentil and mushroom patty, then make a mushroom-based gravy instead of beef stock. It’s surprisingly close to the original comfort and hits all those savory notes.

To mix up the flavors, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the meat mixture for a subtle smoky heat. Also, cooking the patties on the grill instead of a pan gives a wonderful charred flavor that adds another layer of deliciousness. The onion gravy can be enriched with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar if you’re looking for something a bit more gourmet.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe, I always pack any leftovers into airtight containers as soon as the food has cooled to room temperature. Stored in the refrigerator, these leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days. I find that splitting the steak and mashed potatoes into individual portions makes it super easy to reheat just what I want later.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. To freeze, I separate the chopped steaks, gravy, and mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags—keeping components separate when possible helps preserve texture. Wrapped and sealed properly, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. When I want to enjoy it again, I thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is gently warming the chopped steak and gravy together in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. For the mashed potatoes, I add a splash of milk or butter and heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring often to keep them creamy. I avoid overheating to keep that tender steak texture and delicious gravy flavor intact—nobody wants dried-out meat or lumpy potatoes!

FAQs

Can I make the onion gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely! The onion gravy can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat it on the stove before combining it with the chopped steaks. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which I always find is a bonus.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron pan?

You can definitely use a heavy-bottomed skillet instead, like stainless steel or non-stick. Cast iron is great for even heat and searing, but the steak patties will still cook nicely in other pans; just keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the onions or gravy.

Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of instant?

Yes! Fresh mashed potatoes make the dish even more special. I recommend boiling peeled potatoes until tender, mashing with butter and milk or cream, and seasoning well with salt and pepper. The fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up that rich onion gravy.

How do I know when the chopped steaks are fully cooked?

The best way is using a meat thermometer; the steaks should reach an internal temperature of 150°F after baking. This ensures they’re perfectly cooked, juicy inside, and safe to eat without overcooking and drying out.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! I often double or triple the recipe for family gatherings. Just make sure to use a large enough pan or bake the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent proper searing and caramelization.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chopped Steak with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potatoes Recipe enough if you’re craving comforting, soul-soothing food with a touch of Southern charm. It’s a dish that feels like a big warm hug every time I make it, perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply treating yourself to a home-cooked classic. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!