Ultimate Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef for Festive Feasts

This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef recipe is perfect for festive feasts, combining succulent beef with a rich, tangy sauce.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 4

Resting Time 15

Total Time 4 35

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Roast

2-3 pounds Chuck Beef Roast Choose a well-marbled cut for exceptional tenderness and flavor.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for browning the beef.
to taste Salt Enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
to taste Black Pepper Adds depth; use freshly cracked for the best taste.

For the Aromatics

2 Yellow Onions Quartered; provides sweetness and flavor to the dish.
4 cloves Garlic Smashed; infuses aromatic goodness.
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Adds herbaceous flavor.
3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Offers a fragrant flavor.

For the Sauce

2 cups Beef Broth Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar Imparts tanginess.
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Elevates umami flavor.
3 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar Balances tartness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Adds complexity; optional but recommended.
1 cup Cranberries Fresh; substitute with frozen or canned if needed.

For Texture

1 pound Carrots Peeled and sliced.
2 tablespoons Cornstarch Used for thickening the sauce.
2 tablespoons Water Mixed with cornstarch for slurry.

Equipment

Dutch oven

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and black pepper, then sear on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown. Remove and set aside.
Add quartered onions to the same pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour in beef broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add cranberries and carrots, stirring well to combine.
Return the beef to the pot, cover and braise in the oven for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.
Remove the beef and let it rest. Simmer the sauce over medium heat, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and stir into the sauce until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Slice the beef and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle with gravy and serve with your favorite holiday sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For more hearty options, explore recipes like Casserole Ground Beef.

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