Introduction

This Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze is a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender beef combines beautifully with a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that highlights fresh cranberries and balsamic vinegar. It’s a wonderful way to elevate a classic roast with seasonal flavors.

A white plate holds a layered dish with mashed potatoes as the bottom layer, creamy and pale yellow in color with a soft texture. On top of the potatoes, there are whole cooked carrots, bright orange with a smooth surface. The main layer is a large piece of dark brown, tender beef covered in a glossy, rich brown sauce. The top layer features a generous spoonful of vibrant red cranberries mixed in the sauce, and the dish is garnished with a sprig of fresh green thyme. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
½ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 ½ cups whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)
4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme
4 carrots, peeled and halved (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and season it evenly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, then remove it from the pot.
Step 3: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Deglaze the pot by pouring in the balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Step 6: Add beef broth and brown sugar to the pot, stirring to combine. Return the seared roast to the pot.
Step 7: Surround the roast with whole cranberries, thyme sprigs, and the optional carrots.
Step 8: Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated oven set at 325°F (163°C). Braise for 3 to 3.5 hours until the beef is tender.
Step 9: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Step 10: Skim any fat from the surface of the sauce in the pot, then simmer the sauce on the stovetop to thicken if necessary.
Step 11: Serve the sliced or shredded beef topped with the cranberry balsamic glaze.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of red wine when deglazing the pot alongside the balsamic vinegar.
Use fresh thyme for a bright herbal note, or substitute rosemary for a different aromatic flavor.
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen work perfectly and add a nice burst of tartness as they cook.
Include root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes along with the carrots for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of broth to keep the beef moist. For longer storage, freeze the beef and sauce separately for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

A large piece of dark brown, tender braised meat sits on top of a creamy bed of light yellow mashed potatoes in a deep white bowl. The braised meat is covered with rich, glossy brown gravy and topped with a heap of bright red cranberries, some whole and others slightly crushed. A sprig of fresh green thyme rests on top of the cranberries. Around the base, a few small, orange carrot pieces and more cranberries are nestled in the gravy pooling over the mashed potatoes. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, cuts suited for slow cooking like brisket or bottom round can work well, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on size and thickness.

Is it necessary to use a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution and braising, but you can use any oven-safe heavy pot with a lid or a slow cooker set to low for a similar result.