Irresistible Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Glaze

Imagine a succulent piece of beef, tender and bursting with flavor, slowly braised to perfection. The rich aroma dances through your kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Slow-braised beef roast with cranberry balsamic glaze is not just a dish; it’s an experience that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Picture this: It’s a chilly Sunday afternoon, and the family is gathered around the table. As you unveil this masterpiece, laughter fills the air, and stories flow like wine. This dish is perfect for those cozy gatherings or when you simply want to impress your taste buds. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more.

Sharing this recipe at our last family gathering had everyone raving about how delicious it was. I might have even earned some bragging rights!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Beef Roast: Choose a cut like chuck or brisket for optimal tenderness during cooking.

• Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; just ensure it’s thick and flavorful.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A quality balsamic adds depth; avoid the cheap stuff if possible.

• Onions: Sweet onions work best; they’ll caramelize beautifully and enhance the flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for that aromatic kick; minced garlic is your friend here.

• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping it flavorful.

• Fresh Thyme: Opt for fresh over dried; it makes all the difference in flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on seasoning; they enhance all the other flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onions and garlic finely. Having everything ready makes this process smoother and more enjoyable.

Sear the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add some oil and sear the beef roast on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Remove the beef from the pot and add sliced onions. Sauté until they soften and become translucent, then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.

Add Cranberry Glaze: Pour in cranberry sauce and balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step adds amazing flavor to your glaze.

Braise the Beef: Return the beef to the pot along with beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer before covering tightly with a lid.

Cook Low & Slow: Reduce heat to low and allow it to braise gently for 3-4 hours until fork-tender. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!

Now that you’ve mastered slow-braising like a pro, get ready to serve this delightful dish that’s sure to impress! Enjoy each mouthful of tender meat glazed with that irresistible cranberry balsamic sauce—a true culinary triumph.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the beef roast until golden brown, then slow-braise it in the oven with the cranberry balsamic glaze to achieve maximum flavor and tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for cherries or add herbs like rosemary or thyme to personalize your sauce and enhance flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to retain moisture and tenderness.

The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t believe how tender the beef was; they insisted I start charging for dinner!

FAQ

What cut of beef is best for slow-braising?

Chuck roast or brisket works wonderfully due to their marbling and collagen content.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will offer a brighter flavor but may require additional sweetening.

How long does it take to cook a beef roast?

A typical slow-braised beef roast takes about 3-4 hours at 300°F for perfect tenderness.

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Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

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Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze is a heartwarming dish perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners. This succulent, tender beef roast is slow-cooked to perfection, infused with a sweet-tart cranberry glaze that elevates its rich flavors. With minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece that will impress your guests and become a beloved family favorite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 large sweet onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping onions and garlic.
2. Sear the beef roast in a large pot over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from pot.
3. Sauté sliced onions in the same pot until soft; add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in cranberry sauce and balsamic vinegar, scraping up browned bits from the pot.
5. Return the beef to the pot along with broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover tightly.
6. Reduce heat to low and braise for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (170g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in rosemary or swapping cranberries for cherries. Use a meat thermometer for best results—aim for 195°F for tender meat. Allow resting time after cooking for juicy slices.