Description
This slow-braised beef roast is deeply savory, infused with a sweet-tart cranberry balsamic glaze that caramelizes while cooking. Perfect for cozy weekends or special holiday meals, this dish delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff.
Ingredients
3 to 4 lb chuck roast
2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cups beef broth
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, chopped
2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Pat the chuck roast dry and season it with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the roast on all sides until browned.
- Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and garlic.
- Sauté until softened.
- Deglaze with balsamic vinegar, scraping up brown bits.
- Add beef broth, cranberries, brown sugar or maple syrup, and herbs.
- Simmer for 5 minutes. Return the roast to the pot along with carrots.
- Spoon glaze over the roast.
- Cover tightly. Braise in a 325°F oven for 3.5 to 4 hours until fork-tender.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Simmer glaze to thicken, if desired.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta.
Notes
For richer flavor, sear the meat deeply until a dark crust forms.
Don’t skip the sugar or syrup—it balances the cranberries perfectly.
Braise low and slow; rushing will toughen the roast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: beef roast, cranberry glaze, holiday dinner