This Low-Braised Balsamic Cranberry Beef is a savory, heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy from balsamic vinegar and cranberries. It’s ideal for cozy dinners or special occasions, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a deliciously unique twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish turns simple ingredients into a truly unforgettable meal. The beef chuck roast braises perfectly, becoming incredibly tender while absorbing the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh cranberries. The slight sweetness of the cranberries combined with the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar creates a beautiful contrast that really elevates the beef. Plus, it’s easy to make and will impress anyone who tries it. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe is always a winner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Pour in the balsamic vinegar, beef broth, honey, cranberries, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together to combine.
Return the beef roast to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cover the pot with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Braise the beef for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice or shred the beef.
Serve the beef with the balsamic cranberry sauce from the pot, spooning extra sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Variations
Substitute the cranberries: I sometimes use dried cranberries or even fresh pomegranate seeds for a different texture and a slightly sweet twist.
Add vegetables: Feel free to throw in root vegetables like carrots or parsnips in the braise for added flavor and heartiness.
Make it spicier: If I want a bit of heat, I add a dash of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili pepper to the sauce for a nice kick.
Switch up the herbs: While thyme and rosemary are fantastic, I’ve also swapped them for sage or oregano to give it a unique flavor profile.
Storage/reheating
Storing: Leftover braised beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious.
Reheating: To reheat, I suggest gently warming it on the stove over low heat, adding a little beef broth if necessary to maintain the sauce’s consistency. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
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FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, while I use beef chuck roast for its tenderness and flavor, other cuts like brisket or short ribs can work as well. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as some cuts may take longer or shorter to braise.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely! If I prefer a more hands-off approach, I place everything in the slow cooker and cook it on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The result is just as flavorful and tender.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, I can freeze the leftover braised beef and sauce for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and when I’m ready to enjoy it again, I’ll let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! I sometimes make this dish a day or two ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together. When reheated, it’s just as delicious, if not better!
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. The balsamic cranberry sauce also works great over rice or polenta.
Conclusion
This Low-Braised Balsamic Cranberry Beef is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it a fantastic dish for any occasion. I love how tender and flavorful the beef becomes as it braises in the sauce, and the cranberries and balsamic vinegar create an incredible depth of flavor. Whether I’m serving it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, it always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
📖 Recipe:
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Low-Braised Balsamic Cranberry Beef
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Low-Braised Balsamic Cranberry Beef is a savory, heartwarming dish combining beef with the sweet and tangy balance of balsamic vinegar and cranberries, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar, beef broth, honey, cranberries, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together to combine.
- Return the beef roast to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the pot with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Braise the beef for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice or shred the beef.
- Serve the beef with the balsamic cranberry sauce from the pot, spooning extra sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
You can substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds for a different texture and sweet twist.
Feel free to add root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added flavor and heartiness.
If you want a spicy kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
Switch herbs like thyme and rosemary with sage or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
This dish can be made ahead of time, as the flavors will deepen and improve the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
