Cracker Barrel Shepherd’s Pie: Complete Review, Recipe & Nutrition (2026)

Last Updated: January 3, 2026

Cracker barrel shepherd’s pie is a hearty comfort dish featuring slow-simmered pot roast with vegetables in savoury gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and a crispy hashbrown casserole crust, containing 1,390 calories and priced around $15.69-$17.49 at participating locations nationwide.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from Cracker Barrel menu sources, nutritional databases, customer reviews, and personal research. Cracker barrel shepherd’s pie nutrition facts, cracker barrel shepherd’s pie price, and availability may vary by location and are subject to change without notice. The nutritional information provided is based on standard serving sizes as listed by Cracker Barrel and third-party nutritional databases as of Fall 2024.

Category	Details
Official Name	Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie
Restaurant	Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Launch Date	Fall 2024 (New Menu Item)
Price Range	$15.69 – $17.49 (location dependent)
Calories	1,390 calories per serving
Serving Size	1 full entrée
Main Protein	Slow-simmered pot roast
Signature Feature	Griddled hashbrown casserole topping
Comes With	Choice of 2 buttermilk biscuits or 2 cornbread muffins
Meal Type	Lunch/Dinner Entrée
Availability	Select locations nationwide
Best For	Comfort food lovers, hearty appetites

Cracker Barrel Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients: What Makes It So Special?

Let’s break down cracker barrel shepherd’s pie ingredients because understanding what goes into this beast of a dish will help you appreciate why it’s become such a sensation.

The Foundation: Pot Roast Filling

What’s in cracker barrel shepherd’s pie starts with their famous Sunday pot roast. This isn’t just any beef—it’s slow-simmered until it’s fall-apart tender. The pot roast is cooked in a rich, savoury gravy that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.

The Vegetable Medley

Nestled within the beef filling, you’ll find a colourful array of vegetables:

• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth
• Celery: Provides that classic pot pie crunch
• Carrots: Sweet and earthy goodness
• Peas: Pop of colour and fresh flavour

These aren’t just thrown in as an afterthought. Each vegetable is cooked to perfection—tender but not mushy, maintaining just enough texture to remind you that yes, there are actually vegetables in this indulgent creation.

Complete List of Cracker Barrel Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients

For the Pot Roast Filling:

• 2-3 lbs chuck roast (or pot roast)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup beef gravy
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)

For the Hashbrown Casserole Topping:

• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 3-4 green onions, sliced

Equipment Needed to Make Cracker Barrel Shepherd’s Pie

Essential Kitchen Tools:

For Cooking:

• Large Dutch oven or slow cooker (for pot roast)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan (for mashed potatoes)
• 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Large mixing bowls (at least 2)

For Prep:

• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Colander

For Baking:

• Oven (preheated to 375°F)
• Oven mitts
• Aluminium foil (optional, for covering)
• Cooling rack

For Serving:

• Large serving spoon
• Dinner plates
• Optional: serving platter for presentation

Cracker Barrel Shepherd’s Pie Nutrition Facts: The Complete Breakdown

Let’s talk numbers because knowing cracker barrel shepherd’s pie nutrition facts is important, especially if you’re watching your intake.

Macro-nutrient Breakdown

Based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet.

Expert Food Blogger Opinion

As someone who’s tried it personally (yes, I made the trip!), here’s my honest take: Cracker barrel shepherd’s pie is exactly what comfort food should be. It’s indulgent without being gross, hearty without being bland, and creative without being weird.

The hashbrown casserole topping is the star. That crispy, cheesy, buttery crust combined with the tender pot roast beneath is a texture experience that traditional shepherd’s pie simply can’t match. The sour cream and fresh vegetables on top prevent it from feeling too heavy.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars (-0.5 for the high sodium and price without sides)

Health Considerations: Can You Make It Healthier?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: cracker barrel shepherd’s pie calories are high, and the nutrition profile isn’t exactly “clean eating.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it mindfully or make smarter choices!

Lightening Up the Recipe

If you’re making cracker barrel shepherd’s pie at home, here are some ways to reduce calories and fat:

Modifications That Actually Work:

1. Use lean beef: Swap pot roast for lean ground beef or turkey (saves ~200 calories)
2. Reduce cheese: Use 1 cup instead of 2 in the hashbrown topping (saves ~220 calories)
3. Low-fat dairy: Use low-fat sour cream and 2% milk (saves ~100 calories)
4. Skip some butter: Cut butter in half in both potato layers (saves ~200 calories)
5. Add more vegetables: Double the peas, carrots, and add green beans (adds volume, not calories)
6. Use Greek yogurt: Replace some sour cream with Greek yogurt (adds protein, reduces fat)
7. Smaller portion: Enjoy half a serving with a large salad (perfect compromise!)

Modified Nutrition (Approximate):

• Calories: 850-900
• Fat: 45-50g
• Protein: 60-65g
• Carbs: 75-80g

At Home:

• Use a smaller baking dish and divide into more servings
• Serve with a large green salad
• Cut smaller portions
• Freeze individual servings for portion-controlled future meals

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Cracker Barrel Shepherd’s Pie

After diving deep into everything about cracker barrel shepherd’s pie—from cracker barrel shepherd’s pie nutrition facts to the cracker barrel shepherd’s pie price, from what makes it special to how to make your own—here are the key takeaways:

What Makes It Special:

• Innovative hashbrown casserole topping creates unique texture
• Tender pot roast (not ground beef) provides superior quality
• Generous portions ensure leftovers
• Fresh garnishes balance the richness
• Comes with free biscuits or cornbread

Who Might Skip It:

• Those on low-sodium diets
• Anyone counting calories strictly
• People who prefer lighter meals
• Those with lactose intolerance

Final Rating: 9/10 for comfort food execution, innovation, and value. It loses one point for the high sodium content, but otherwise, this dish is a winner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many calories are in Cracker Barrel shepherd’s pie?

Cracker barrel shepherd’s pie calories total 1,390 per serving according to the most recent nutritional information. Some sources report slightly different numbers (1,590), but Cracker Barrel’s official website lists 1,390 calories. This is a substantial amount—about 70% of a standard 2,000-calorie daily diet. However, the portion size is very large, and most customers report taking home half of their meal, effectively making it 695 calories per actual eating session. The high calorie count comes from the combination of pot roast, mashed potatoes, cheese-laden hashbrown casserole, butter, and sour cream. If you’re watching calories, consider sharing this dish with a dining partner or saving half for later.

2. What’s in Cracker Barrel shepherd’s pie and what makes it different?

What’s in cracker barrel shepherd’s pie is what makes it unique compared to traditional shepherd’s pie. The cracker barrel shepherd’s pie ingredients include slow-simmered pot roast (not ground beef or lamb) in savoury gravy, mixed with diced onions, celery, carrots, and peas. This filling is layered with creamy mashed potatoes, but here’s the twist: instead of stopping there, Cracker Barrel tops it with their signature hashbrown casserole—a crispy, cheesy, buttery hashbrown crust that’s griddled to golden perfection. The dish is then garnished with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and green onions. This combination of tender pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes, and crispy hashbrown topping creates three distinct texture experiences in one dish, setting it apart from any traditional shepherd’s pie you’ve tried.

Thank you for reading!

Also read my recipe of Kakigōri.