Description
Cranberry Roast Beef is a festive slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef simmered in a sweet-tangy cranberry balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect easy holiday roast — hearty, flavorful, and beautifully glazed for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (3–4 lb) beef chuck roast (or top round/brisket)
- 1 (16 oz) 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)
Substitutions:
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for richer flavor.
- Swap balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for lighter tang.
- Try brisket or round roast for different textures.
Equipment:
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Large skillet (for searing)
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Tongs or carving knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast: Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Optional: sear on all sides in a skillet with oil for 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
- Layer Ingredients: Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set roast on top and pour sauce evenly over it.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until tender and easily shredded.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): Remove roast and skim fat from the sauce. Transfer sauce to a saucepan and stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Slice roast against the grain, drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze, and garnish with herbs or cranberries.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Prepare the roast the day before and reheat with extra glaze before serving.
- Flavor tip: Add orange zest or rosemary for a festive twist.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Serving ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, Duchess Potatoes, or Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with sauce to keep moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 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, Christmas Dinner, Slow Cooker Beef, Festive Roast