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Fall-Apart Balsamic Beef with Cranberry Glaze

A heartwarming dish featuring tender beef soaked in a tangy, sweet balsamic glaze with cranberries, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs chuck roast A flavorful cut ideal for slow cooking.
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar Adds tanginess.
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce Can be jellied or whole berry.
  • 1 onion, chopped For added flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the aroma.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Contributes to the umami flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Balances acidity.
  • 2 cups beef broth Keeps the beef moist.
  • Fresh rosemary, for garnish Optional but adds a nice touch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil, then sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side).
  2. In a slow cooker (or Dutch oven), combine balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, chopped onion, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed before gently placing the seared beef on top.
  3. Pour in the beef broth, covering the meat.
  4. If using a slow cooker, set it to low and let it cook for 8 hours, or high for about 4 hours. If using a Dutch oven, cover it and place in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 3 hours.
  5. When the cooking time is up, remove the beef and shred it with two forks—it should fall apart beautifully! Return to the pot and gently mix in the sauce.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh rosemary if you like.

Notes

Feel free to toss in some veggies like carrots or mushrooms for an all-in-one meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. While chuck roast is perfect, brisket or round can substitute; just adjust cooking times accordingly.