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Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

A tender beef roast slow-cooked to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and tangy cranberry balsamic glaze, perfect for cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Roast
  • 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast The marbling makes it super tender.
  • Salt and pepper Seasoning is key.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the roast.
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Dried works too if you don’t have fresh.
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce Store-bought is perfectly fine!
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch For that thick, luxurious texture.
  • 1 tablespoon water To mix with the cornstarch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Generously season your beef chuck roast with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on each side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned.
  3. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic around the meat, letting them soften for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cranberry juice, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the roast in the pot.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F for about 3 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
  6. About 20 minutes before the roast is done, mix the cranberry sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan. Heat until it bubbles and thickens.
  7. Once the roast is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Slice it up, drizzle with the cranberry glaze, and serve.

Notes

Leftover roast makes for an amazing sandwich the next day. If your glaze looks a little lumpy, a good stir will do wonders.