Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

Introduction

This cranberry balsamic roast beef combines tender, slow-cooked beef with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce and rich balsamic vinegar. It’s a perfect cozy meal that feels festive yet is simple to prepare. Impress your family or guests with this flavorful, hearty dish.

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb beef chuck roast
• 1 cup canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the beef chuck roast evenly with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the roast until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Step 3: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Set the seared roast on top of the onions and garlic.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook until the beef is tender. For a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. For an oven, cook at 325°F for 3–3.5 hours.
6. Step 6: Remove the roast from the cooker. If desired, simmer the cooking juices on the stove to thicken the sauce before serving.
7. Step 7: Slice or shred the roast beef and serve it with the thickened cranberry balsamic sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before cooking.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme if available for a brighter flavor.
• If you prefer a more sauce, increase the cranberry sauce to 1 1/2 cups.
• This recipe works well in both slow cooker and oven methods—choose based on your schedule.

Storage

Store leftover roast beef and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, a brisket or rump roast can also be used, but cooking times may vary slightly to reach the same tenderness.

Is it possible to make this dish without a slow cooker or Dutch oven?

Yes, you can prepare it entirely in the oven using a covered roasting pan. Just follow the oven cooking time and temperature indicated in the instructions.

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 89 reviews

A tender and flavorful holiday-style roast beef infused with sweet cranberry sauce and rich balsamic vinegar. This comforting roast is perfect for a special dinner and can be prepared using a slow cooker or oven, making it easy to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a luscious sauce.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Roast

• 3–4 lb beef chuck roast

Sauce and Seasoning

• 1 cup canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary

Instructions

1. Season the Roast: Generously season the beef chuck roast on all sides with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear the roast until it is browned on all sides, which helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
3. Prepare Cooking Base: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker or Dutch oven. This will create a flavorful base under the roast.
4. Assemble and Add Sauce: Set the seared beef roast on top of the onions and garlic. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour this mixture over the roast.
5. Cook the Roast: Cover and cook the roast until it becomes tender. For slow cooker use, cook for 8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH. If using an oven, bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3 to 3.5 hours.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Once cooked, remove the roast from the cooker or oven. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cooking juices on the stovetop until reduced to your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Slice or shred the roast beef and serve it warm with the rich cranberry-balsamic sauce spooned over the top for a delicious and festive meal.

Notes

• For best flavor, let the roast rest for 10 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.
• You can substitute beef chuck roast with a rump roast if preferred.
• Leftover roast beef can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or herbs as desired.
• The sauce can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry if a thicker consistency is desired quickly.

Keywords: cranberry roast beef, balsamic roast beef, slow cooker roast, holiday roast beef, beef chuck roast recipe