Description
This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket is fall-apart tender with a sweet-tart glaze of cranberries, balsamic, and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect cozy dinner centerpiece—simple enough for a weekday and elegant enough for holidays.
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 cup beef broth
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or ½ tsp dried)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
1. Season brisket on all sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear brisket for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned.
3. In a bowl, whisk beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and minced garlic until smooth.
4. Place sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Set seared brisket on top of onions. Pour the glaze mixture over it.
6. Add cranberries and rosemary around the meat.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours (or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours) until the brisket is fork-tender.
8. Transfer brisket to a cutting board, rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
9. Spoon cranberry-onion glaze over slices before serving.
Notes
For best texture, always slice the brisket against the grain.
Don’t skip searing—it adds depth and locks in juices.
Leftovers reheat beautifully and are excellent in sandwiches or grain bowls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~6 oz
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: brisket, cranberry, slow cooker, holiday main, comfort food