Name: Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb beef chuck roast; 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; ½ cup beef broth; 3 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a show-stopping meal that blends tart cranberries, savory beef, and a tangy balsamic glaze, my Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe is what dreams are made of. This beauty is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor for family dinners, cozy holidays, or whenever you want to serve up something special. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

Festive & Elegant: Perfect centerpiece for the holidays or a special Sunday supper.
Savory & Tangy: The rich beef pairs beautifully with tart cranberries and sweet-tangy balsamic glaze.
Easy Prep: Minimal hands-on time with simple ingredients and steps.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen if made a day ahead, making holiday planning a breeze.
Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this combination of sweet and savory!

Ingredients for Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

1 (3-4 lb) beef chuck roast
2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef stock
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Directions: How to Make the Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. Season all over with kosher salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear roast until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add sliced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

Pour in beef stock, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir well, scraping the brown bits from the pot.
Stir in cranberries and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Roast the Beef

Return beef to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top.
Cover with a tight lid or foil and transfer the pot to the preheated oven.
Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender. (Check at 2 hours and add more stock if needed.)

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from oven. Rest 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Spoon cranberry balsamic sauce generously over beef and serve!

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Notes & Cooking Tips for Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

Let the beef rest before slicing to keep all those tasty juices inside.
If you'd like a thicker sauce, simmer it on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes after roasting.
For more on choosing the best beef cuts, check out this guide from Beef. It's What's For Dinner.

Variations: Make This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe Your Own

Slow Cooker Version: Sear beef and aromatics, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Spiced Cranberry Roast: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves along with the thyme for a warm, spiced twist.
Pork Instead of Beef: Substitute a boneless pork shoulder and follow the same method for a tangy pork roast.

Required Equipment for Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or large fork

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root veggies, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
A fresh green salad with feta and toasted nuts brings a crisp, bright contrast.
Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

Sear the beef properly for maximum flavor—don’t skip this important step! Learn how to sear perfectly.
Use fresh cranberries when in season for unbeatable tartness and texture.
Deglaze the pan thoroughly with balsamic and beef stock to catch all those savory browned bits.

FAQ: Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?: Fresh or frozen is best for texture and tartness, but you can use ¾ cup dried cranberries—just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first.
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?: Chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor, but brisket or bottom round work well too.
Can I make this recipe in advance?: Absolutely! Flavors deepen overnight—just reheat gently to serve. Visit Cooking Light for more holiday beef meal tips.

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe