Slow-Cooked Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

Description

This Slow-Cooked Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce blends the deep, robust flavors of slow-cooked beef with the tart and sweet accents of cranberry and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for both cozy family dinners and special festive meals, this dish brings a gourmet feel to your dining table with minimal fuss. By combining aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tantalizingly rich and hearty meal.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-step Directions

1. Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef roast and brown it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, chopped garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Prepare the Braising Liquid

Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce if using, soy sauce, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Add the Vegetables and Beef

Return the seared beef to the pan and add the cranberries and carrots. Ensure that the beef is partially submerged in the liquid.

5. Braise the Beef

Preheat your oven to 275°F (140°C). Cover the pan with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Let it braise for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. There are also alternate cooking methods such as stovetop simmering and slow cooker instructions provided in the original recipe description.

6. Finish the Dish

Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pan and either slice or shred it. Optional: To thicken the sauce, skim any excess fat from the surface, then bring the sauce to a simmer on the stovetop. Stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then add it to the simmering sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the beef slowly in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding a few tablespoons of broth or water to keep it moist.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

The Slow-Cooked Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a sumptuous and festive meal. Whether served at holiday gatherings or enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish satisfies with its flavorful complexity and hearty richness.

Slow-Cooked Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow-Cooked Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce blends the deep, robust flavors of slow-cooked beef with the tart and sweet accents of cranberry and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for both cozy family dinners and special festive meals, this dish brings a gourmet feel to your dining table with minimal fuss. By combining aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tantalizingly rich and hearty meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 beef roast (2–3 pounds, choose from chuck, round, or brisket)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced or use baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Sear the Beef
2. Cook the Aromatics
3. Prepare the Braising Liquid
4. Add the Vegetables and Beef
5. Braise the Beef
6. Finish the Dish

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours