Description
A festive and tender Cranberry Roast Beef slow-cooked with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. This easy holiday recipe is perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving, offering a flavorful centerpiece with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (3- to 4-pound) beef chuck roast
- 1 (16-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Optionally, sear the roast in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker. Set the seared roast on top. Pour the cranberry-balsamic mixture evenly over the meat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and pulls apart easily.
- Optional: Remove the roast. Skim excess fat from the sauce. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Slice the roast against the grain, drizzle with the warm cranberry balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh herbs or extra cranberries.
Notes
- For a different texture, substitute chuck roast with top round or brisket.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a richer glaze.
- Swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a lighter tang.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cranberry Roast Beef, Balsamic Roast, Holiday Beef, Slow Cooker Beef, Festive Roast, Easy Roast Beef Recipe, Cranberry Beef Roast