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Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

This slow-braised beef roast is tender and flavorful with a tangy cranberry balsamic glaze that enhances the natural richness of the beef.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Roast
  • 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 cloves garlic 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)

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. Pat the beef roast dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
  3. Remove the roast and sauté chopped onion until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
  6. Stir in beef broth and brown sugar. Return the roast to the pot.
  7. Add cranberries, thyme, and optional carrots around the roast.
  8. Cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 3 to 3.5 hours.
  9. Remove roast and let rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Skim fat from the sauce and simmer to thicken if needed.
  11. Slice or shred the beef and serve with glaze spooned over the top.

Notes

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion. The sweetness of the cranberries balances beautifully with the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, creating a glaze that enhances the beef's natural flavors. Feel free to add more vegetables to the pot for a heartier meal.