Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef
This recipe blends the rich flavor of roast beef with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and balsamic vinegar, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) beef roast (chuck roast, rump roast, or sirloin roast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Assemble in a Roasting Pan or Slow Cooker
- Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a roasting pan or slow cooker.
- Lay the seared beef on top of the onions.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Balsamic Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together cranberries, balsamic vinegar, beef broth, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
4. Cook the Roast
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pour the cranberry balsamic mixture over the roast. Cover with foil or a lid.
- Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Pour the sauce over the roast, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until tender.
5. Make the Sauce
- Once the roast is cooked, remove it from the pan and cover loosely with foil to rest.
- Transfer the cooking juices and cranberries to a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. If needed, add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken further.
6. Serve
- Slice the roast and drizzle with the cranberry balsamic sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite holiday sides.
Tips & Variations
- Add Orange Zest: For a festive twist, add the zest of one orange to the sauce.
- Cranberry Sauce Option: Substitute fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup canned cranberry sauce if needed.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is elegant, tender, and bursting with seasonal flavors—perfect for impressing your guests!