Description
Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is a tender, slow-roasted beef dish coated in a tangy-sweet glaze made with cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and herbs — a festive and flavorful main course perfect for holidays or elegant family dinners.
Ingredients
-
- 1.5 kg (3–3.5 lbs) beef roast (such as chuck or top round)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
For the Cranberry Balsamic Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 165°C (325°F).
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add cranberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing cranberries to soften and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Return the roast to the pan, spooning some of the glaze over the top.
- Cover tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Roast for 2 1/2–3 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Remove the roast and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Place the pan on the stove and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to thicken further, stirring in butter if desired for a silky finish.
- Spoon the cranberry balsamic glaze over the sliced beef and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Notes
- This roast pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a holiday stuffing.
- For a slow cooker version, sear the roast first, then cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, finishing with the glaze reduction on the stove.
- Leftovers make amazing sandwiches with melted cheese and extra glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting / Braising
- Cuisine: American