Categories Beef Recipes, Christmas Recipes, Dinner Recipes, Main Dishes

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

by Annmarie

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is the kind of cozy winter pot roast that instantly makes the whole house smell like the holidays. The beef gets a quick browning to lock in all that good flavor before it’s slow-braised in a tangy, slightly sweet cranberry balsamic sauce that turns rich and silky as it cooks. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights.

Cranberries might usually steal the spotlight in desserts, but they shine beautifully in this savory dish too. Their natural tartness balances the beef’s richness, creating a roast that’s tender, juicy, and full of bright winter flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or anything that can soak up that incredible sauce.

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is the kind of cozy winter pot roast that instantly makes the whole house smell like the holidays. The beef gets a quick browning to lock in all that good flavor before it’s slow-braised in a tangy, slightly sweet cranberry balsamic sauce that turns rich and silky as it cooks.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (2-3 pound) beef roast (such as chuck, round, brisket, etc.)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced (or baby carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional)

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

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Notes

Option: Add a splash of orange juice and zest.

Option: Replace some or all of the beef broth with (soft) apple cider.

Note: Taste test the sauce at the end to check the balance of sweet and tart optionally adding more sweetener as desired!

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