Description
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef slow-braised to perfection in a rich cranberry balsamic glaze. A show-stopping centerpiece perfect for cozy dinners or festive holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
3 lb beef chuck roast (or brisket)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Add sliced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in beef broth, cranberry juice, cranberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the beef to the pot, add thyme and rosemary, and cover tightly with a lid.
7. Transfer to the oven and braise for 3–3.5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
8. Remove the beef and simmer the cooking liquid on the stove for 5–10 minutes to thicken into a glossy glaze.
9. Slice the roast and drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
Can be made a day ahead — flavors intensify overnight.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or polenta.
For extra shine, whisk a teaspoon of butter into the glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Braised
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz beef + glaze
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: slow-braised beef roast, cranberry balsamic glaze, holiday beef roast, tender beef dinner, festive roast recipe