Description
This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is a flavorful and tender main course perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. The beef chuck roast is slow-roasted with a savory and tangy cranberry balsamic sauce, enhanced with herbs and aromatics for a rich, comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Roast
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce (or homemade cranberry sauce)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Season the beef chuck roast evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Sear the Roast: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the roast and set aside to retain its juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup cranberry sauce, ½ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary until well combined, creating a rich and tangy sauce base.
- Combine and Roast: Return the roast to the pot and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Roast for 3 to 3½ hours, until the beef is fork-tender and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice or shred the beef and serve with the cranberry balsamic sauce spooned over or alongside.
Notes
- This roast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover cranberry balsamic roast beef makes excellent sandwiches the next day, adding a flavorful twist to your lunch.
