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Cranberry Balsamic Roast Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Cranberry Balsamic Roast recipe features a tender chuck beef roast braised to perfection with fresh cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs. The combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors creates a luscious gravy that complements the roast beautifully. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish can be cooked either in the oven or slow cooker, making it adaptable for your preferred cooking style.

Ingredients

Beef and Seasoning

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1 chuck beef roast (2 to 3 Pounds)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 yellow onions (quartered)
  • 4 Cloves garlic (smashed)
  • 2 Sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 Sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 Pound carrots (peeled and sliced)
  • 1 Cup cranberries (fresh)

Liquids and Seasonings for Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 Cups beef broth
  • ¼ Cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Thickening Slurry

  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F to prepare for braising the roast.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides, then brown it in the hot oil until all sides are nicely seared. Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Cook the Onions and Aromatics: Add the quartered onions to the same pot and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, smashed garlic cloves, fresh thyme, and rosemary sprigs, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, fresh cranberries, and sliced carrots. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Add the Beef Back: Carefully nestle the browned beef roast back into the pot with the sauce and vegetables.
  6. Braise the Roast: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Braise the roast for 3 to 4 hours, or about 1 hour per pound, until the meat is tender.
  7. Remove and Simmer Sauce: Once done, transfer the roast to a plate. Return the pot to the stovetop and bring the liquid to a simmer.
  8. Make the Thickening Slurry: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stirring until fully dissolved. Pour this slurry into the simmering liquid and cook for about 2 minutes until the gravy thickens.
  9. Serve: Spoon the thickened cranberry balsamic gravy over the roast and serve with your favorite side dishes.
  10. Slow Cooker Option – Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the roast with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides. Remove the roast and transfer it to a slow cooker.
  11. Slow Cooker Option – Add Ingredients: Add onions, garlic, tomato paste, herbs, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cranberries, and carrots to the slow cooker with the roast.
  12. Slow Cooker Option – Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours until the beef roast is tender.
  13. Slow Cooker Option – Thicken Sauce: Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan or skillet. Bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir into simmering sauce and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  14. Slow Cooker Option – Serve: Pour the thickened sauce over the roast and serve immediately with sides of your choice.

Notes

  • The braising time depends on the size of the roast, approximately 1 hour per pound for optimal tenderness.
  • If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones can be used without thawing.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • The brown sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries and balsamic vinegar; adjust sweetness to taste.
  • You can prepare this dish entirely in an oven-safe pot or use a slow cooker depending on your schedule.
  • Allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/cranberry-balsamic-roast-recipe/