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
