Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 2 reviews

This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is a hearty and flavorful winter pot roast featuring a tender beef roast braised in a rich balsamic cranberry sauce. The combination of balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet gravy that pairs perfectly with beef. Cooked low and slow in the oven, stovetop, or slow cooker, this comforting meal is ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (2-3 pound) beef roast (such as chuck, round, brisket, etc.)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free option)
  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free option)

Vegetables and Fruit

  • 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced (or baby carrots)

Thickening Agent (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef roast and brown it on all sides until a rich crust forms. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Onion: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the tomato paste, chopped garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the mixture for about one minute until fragrant, ensuring the tomato paste cooks through.
  4. Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
  5. Add Vegetables and Beef: Add sliced carrots and cranberries to the pot. Return the browned beef roast to the pan, nestling it into the liquid and vegetables.
  6. Braise the Beef: For oven cooking, transfer the covered pot to a preheated oven at 275°F (140°C) and cook until the meat is tender enough to pull apart, approximately 3-4 hours. Alternatively, cook on the stovetop by bringing the mixture to a boil, then reducing heat to low and simmering covered for 3-4 hours. You can also use a slow cooker: cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours until the beef is tender.
  7. Slice or Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the cooking liquid and slice or shred it according to your preference.
  8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, skim any fat from the cooking juices. Place the pot back on the stovetop, bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats a spoon.
  9. Serve: Serve the roast beef with the thickened balsamic cranberry sauce and the cooked carrots and cranberries on the side.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
  • The maple syrup can be substituted with brown sugar if preferred.
  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries based on availability; either works well.
  • For a quicker meal, the stovetop or slow cooker methods are great alternatives to the oven braise.
  • Skimming fat before thickening the sauce helps achieve a cleaner, less greasy gravy.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/cranberry-balsamic-roast-beef-recipe/