Zippy Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Tender cuts of beef soak in a vibrant cranberry balsamic glaze that elevates every single bite.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with surprising depth and complexity.

The combination of tart cranberries and deep balsamic vinegar creates an unforgettable main course.

Slow roasting ensures each slice remains incredibly juicy and packed with robust flavor.

Perfectly seasoned and carefully prepared, this roast beef offers a sophisticated twist on a classic dish.

Weekend dinners or special occasions deserve a centerpiece that turns heads and delights taste buds.

Bring this restaurant-quality meal straight to your dining table and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Cranberry Balsamic Roast

• Beef Roast: Premium cut that provides rich, hearty flavor and tender meat texture. Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast or bottom round for maximum juiciness and tenderness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out meat's natural flavors and creating a delicious crust. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect golden-brown sear and prevents meat from sticking to the pan. Select extra virgin olive oil for best quality.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic undertones and complements the beef's rich flavor. Fresh garlic cloves provide more robust taste than pre-minced varieties.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity to the dish. Adjust quantity based on personal spice preference.
• Rosemary: Provides earthy, woodsy notes that beautifully enhance the meat's richness. Fresh rosemary sprigs deliver more vibrant flavor.

• Cranberry Sauce: Brings sweet-tart brightness and creates a luxurious, glossy coating. Homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce works best.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and helps tenderize the meat. Choose aged balsamic for richer, more concentrated flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds caramelized sweetness to the sauce. Dark brown sugar provides more intense molasses undertones.
• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and helps prevent meat from drying out during roasting. Low-sodium broth allows better control of overall saltiness.
• Onions.

Tools to Roast with a Tangy Twist

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for searing and roasting the beef in one pot.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing cranberry balsamic sauce ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing roast and slicing onions.
• Sharp knife: Required for trimming beef and chopping garlic.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Help accurately measure sauce ingredients.
• Meat fork: Useful for checking beef tenderness and shredding meat.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling the roast during searing.

Making Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 325°F, getting ready for a mouthwatering meat adventure.

• Transform the Roast

Massage the beef with salt and pepper, then give it a golden sear in a sizzling hot skillet until each side develops a gorgeous caramel-brown crust.

• Craft the Magical Sauce

Whisk together cranberry sauce, tangy balsamic, sweet brown sugar, zippy garlic, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes to create a flavor explosion.

• Build Your Roasting Masterpiece

Scatter some sliced onions at the pan’s bottom, nestle the roast on top, then drench it with the cranberry balsamic mixture. Splash in some beef broth and tuck in a fragrant rosemary sprig.

• Slow Roast to Perfection

Cover and let the oven work its magic for 2.5 hours, transforming the meat into a tender, juicy dream. Occasionally drizzle pan juices over the roast to keep it moist.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let the roast rest briefly, then slice or shred. Cascade the luscious cranberry glaze over the top and serve while it’s warm and inviting.

Tricks to Balance Sweet and Savory

• For an extra-rich taste, choose a well-marbled chuck roast that guarantees maximum tenderness and juiciness.
• This roast can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated, allowing flavors to intensify and develop deeper complexity.
• Replace traditional cranberry sauce with sugar-free cranberry preserves to reduce carbohydrate content without sacrificing tangy flavor profile.
• Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after searing the meat, cooking on low for 6-8 hours for incredibly tender results with minimal hands-on time.
• Swap beef with turkey or pork roast for different protein options while maintaining the delicious cranberry balsamic sauce, perfect for those seeking variety in their meal planning.

Serving Cranberry Roast at Dinner

• Festive Family Feast: Pair the roast with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty dinner that brings everyone together.
• Sandwich Sensation: Shred the beef and pile it high on crusty artisan bread with a slice of sharp cheddar and some extra cranberry glaze for an incredible lunch option.
• Elegant Entertaining: Serve the roast on a large platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole cranberries, creating a stunning centerpiece that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining beef into a quick hash with diced potatoes and onions, topped with a fried egg for a delicious next-day breakfast that wastes nothing.

Save Roast Beef for Another Round

• Store leftover roast beef in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure containers are sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Slice or shred the roast beef before freezing. Place portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen beef stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly packaged.
• Revive cold roast beef by adding a splash of beef broth before warming. Use a microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, or reheat gently in a skillet to prevent drying out. Low and slow is the key to maintaining tender texture.
• Transform leftover roast beef into quick meals like sandwiches, tacos, or salad toppers. Chop and store in portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, maximizing your cooking efforts.

Succulent Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent cranberry balsamic roast beef brings rustic elegance to weekend dinner tables with rich, tangy flavors. Hearty meat lovers savor tender slices complemented by a glossy, complex sauce that elevates classic roast to gourmet heights you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 lb beef roast (chuck or ribeye)
• 1 cup whole cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly pat beef roast dry and generously season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Searing: Brown the roast on all sides until a rich caramel crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per surface, creating deep flavor foundations.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes into a vibrant, glossy marinade.
4. Layering: Spread sliced onions across the pan’s bottom, position roast atop them, then lavishly pour the cranberry balsamic mixture over the meat. Introduce beef broth and nestle rosemary sprigs around the roast.
5. Roasting: Cover and transfer to a preheated 325F (165C) oven. Allow the roast to tenderize slowly, approximately 2.5-3 hours, periodically basting with pan juices to maintain moisture and intensify flavors.
6. Finishing: Extract roast and permit a 10-minute resting period. Carve or shred meat, then cascade the concentrated cranberry glaze over the top. Serve immediately while warmth and succulence are at their peak.

Notes

• Pat beef completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, which locks in rich flavors and creates delicious caramelization.
• Monitor pan liquid during roasting to prevent burning; add extra beef broth if the bottom becomes too dry to maintain moisture and prevent scorching.
• Modify red pepper flakes based on heat preference; start with a small amount and gradually increase for personalized spice level without overwhelming the dish.
• Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature instead of relying solely on cooking duration; medium-rare is typically around 135°F, while well-done reaches 160°F for precise doneness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg