Description
This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is a tender, flavorful beef roast slow-cooked in a sweet-tangy blend of cranberries, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and garlic. It’s festive, comforting, and perfect for holiday dinners or hearty weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- For the Cranberry Balsamic Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- For Serving:
- Extra cranberries (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Pat the roast dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cranberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, Dijon, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes.
- Slow Cook: Place the seared beef into a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour the cranberry balsamic mixture over the top.
- Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove beef and shred or slice. Simmer the sauce (if desired) in a small pot for 5–7 minutes to thicken, or leave as is for a rustic texture.
- Serve: Spoon cranberry balsamic sauce over the roast. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cranberries.
Notes
- Use a chuck roast for the most tender result, but brisket or bottom round works too.
- Add chopped onions or carrots to the pot for a complete meal.
- To thicken sauce further, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water).
- Great served with mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Cooked
- Cuisine: American