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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Searing: Brown the roast on all sides until a rich caramel crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per surface, creating deep flavor foundations.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes into a vibrant, glossy marinade.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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