Elevate your holiday table with a slow-braised beef roast featuring a luscious cranberry balsamic glaze. This comforting dish combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a tangy-sweet sauce, making it one of the best yummy roast recipes for the season. Perfect for Christmas chuck roast recipes, fall beef roast recipes, or a cozy fall roast dinner, it brings a burst of freshness from cranberries and balsamic vinegar that complements the rich flavor of the meat.

Whether you’re planning Xmas beef recipes, looking for fancy winter dinner recipes, or seeking elegant beef plating ideas for a Christmas holiday dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress family and guests alike. Add it to your repertoire of fall chuck roast recipes for a memorable seasonal feast.

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Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

A comforting dish that combines tender beef with a tangy, sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries and balsamic vinegar, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast Choose a good quality cut for tenderness.
2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the beef.
to taste pinch Salt and pepper Season generously.
1 medium onion, chopped Adds sweetness and flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds a nice aroma.
2 cups beef broth For braising the meat.
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Use fresh for better flavor.
1 cup balsamic vinegar Provides tanginess to the glaze.
1/4 cup brown sugar Balances the tartness of cranberries.
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 leaf bay leaf
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) For thickening the sauce.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the beef broth, cranberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
Return the seared beef roast to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and transfer to the oven.

Cooking

Slow-braise the roast for 3 to 4 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
Remove the roast and let it rest while you prepare the glaze.

Glaze Preparation

Strain the liquid from the pot to remove solids and return to heat to reduce for about 10-15 minutes.
For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Serving

Slice the beef roast and drizzle with the cranberry balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or stovetop, adding broth if needed.

Keyword beef roast, comfort food, cranberry glaze, Family Dinner, slow-braised

Why You’ll Love This Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

This recipe is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. You will love the fork-tender beef that breaks apart easily and the glossy, vibrant cranberry balsamic glaze that elevates every bite. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. The slow-braising method ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all the savory and sweet flavors from the glaze.

How to Make Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will allow the beef to become tender and flavorful during the slow-braising process.
Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned beef roast and sear on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
Stir in the beef broth, cranberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return the seared beef roast to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid as much as possible. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Slow-braise the roast in the oven for 3 to 4 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds apart. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid is not evaporating; add more broth if necessary.
Once done, remove the roast from the oven and carefully take it out of the pot. Place it on a platter to rest while you make the glaze.
To make the glaze, you can strain the liquid from the pot to remove the solids, then return it to the heat. Allow it to reduce for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened to your liking.
Serve the beef roast sliced, drizzled with the cranberry balsamic glaze, and enjoy your delicious slow-braised creation.

How to Serve Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

To serve your slow-braised beef roast, slice it into thick pieces and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle generously with the cranberry balsamic glaze to highlight the savory and sweet flavors. Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to complete your meal. This hearty dish can also be served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

After enjoying your slow-braised beef roast, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or on the stovetop until heated throughout, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened. You can also freeze the beef roast and glaze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze Perfect

Always sear the roast before slow-braising. This step builds flavor and creates a nice crust.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Feel free to add more herbs or spices based on your taste.
Use fresh cranberries for a brighter flavor, but frozen cranberries also work well.
Add vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the pot for a complete one-pot meal.

Flavor Variations

You can experiment with this recipe in various ways:

Herb Enhancements: Try adding oregano or thyme for different flavor notes.
Spicy Kick: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Fruit Options: Substitute cranberries with cherries or pomegranate seeds for a unique twist on flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

Ensure the beef is well-seasoned for the best flavor.
Monitor the liquid level in your pot. If it looks low, add more beef broth to avoid burning.
Let the roast rest after cooking before slicing. This helps retain the juices.

FAQs About Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. However, chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness after slow cooking.

How long can I freeze the leftover roast?
You can freeze the leftover roast and glaze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I use a slow cooker instead?
Absolutely! You can follow the same seasoning and liquid instructions, then place everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Final Thoughts

Slow-braised beef roast with cranberry balsamic glaze is a delightful meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. The combination of tender beef and a glossy, flavorful glaze makes this dish a favorite for any occasion. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will surely leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the process of cooking, and even more, enjoy the satisfying results!