Description
Hearty slow-cooked beef roast with cranberry balsamic sauce delivers rich, complex flavors perfect for winter dining. Tender meat draped in tangy sauce promises comfort and satisfaction for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 beef roast (2–3 lbs/907–1361 g, chuck, round, or brisket)
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 lbs/454 g carrots, peeled and sliced or baby carrots
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 tbsps maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 2 tbsps soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsps cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp chopped thyme
- 1 tsp chopped rosemary
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Pat beef dry and generously season with salt and black pepper across all surfaces.
- Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until nearly smoking, then meticulously sear beef on each side for 4-5 minutes to develop a deep golden-brown caramelized crust.
- Aromatics Development: Reduce heat and sauté sliced onions until translucent, then introduce tomato paste, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously to unlock intense flavors.
- Liquid Integration: Deglaze pan with beef broth, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce, thoroughly scraping accumulated browned bits from pan bottom.
- Braising Process: Return seared roast to pan, surround with whole cranberries and chopped carrots, cover with lid, and slow-roast in a 275°F (140°C) oven for 3.5-4 hours until meat becomes fork-tenderly succulent.
- Finishing Touches: Remove roast, allow brief resting period, optional sauce thickening using cornstarch slurry, then slice or shred meat and lavishly drench with cranberry balsamic sauce before serving.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast or beef brisket for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
- Searing Secrets: Patting meat dry before searing ensures a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in juices and develops deep caramelized notes.
- Temperature Precision: Low and slow cooking at 275°F guarantees melt-in-your-mouth texture, breaking down tough connective tissues gradually.
- Sauce Thickness Trick: Cornstarch slurry helps achieve a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce consistency without compromising the robust flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg