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Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze

A hearty and flavorful slow-braised beef roast with a sweet and tangy cranberry balsamic glaze, perfect for busy weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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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, Comfort Food
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Roast
  • 4 lbs beef roast (chuck or brisket) Choose your preferred cut of beef.
  • 2 cups beef broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
  • 1 cup cranberry juice 100% juice preferred.
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • A drizzle of olive oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Searing the Meat
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper and sear it until browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes each side.
Add Aromatics
  1. Remove the seared roast from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot
  1. Pour in the cranberry juice and balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pot to mix in all the tasty bits.
Bring It All Together
  1. Return the beef roast to the pot along with the beef broth and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Slow Cook Your Roast
  1. Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Let it braise for about 4 hours.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Once done, the beef should be tender enough to shred with a fork. Serve with your favorite sides and drizzle the cranberry balsamic glaze over everything.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear! It creates a rich flavor base. Braised meats taste better the next day, making this a great make-ahead dish. Can substitute beef with pork if desired.