Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef
Indulge in the rich and flavorful experience of Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of balsamic vinegar and cranberry sauce creates a unique and mouthwatering flavor profile.
- With minimal prep time, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready in no time.
- This dish is ideal for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day, allowing you to enjoy leftovers without compromising on taste.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps in browning the beef.
- Beef roast: Choose a cut like chuck, round, or brisket for tender and juicy results.
- Onion: Provides a savory base for the dish.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes: Infuse the dish with aromatic flavors.
- Beef broth: Enhances the savory notes in the dish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Cranberry sauce: Optional for a festive touch.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor.
- Maple syrup: Provides sweetness to balance the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen for a burst of tartness.
- Carrots: Add sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Cornstarch + water: Optional for thickening the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned.
- Add onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add cranberries and carrots. Cover and cook until the beef is tender.
- If desired, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
- Serve the Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef roast in the sauce overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Swap out beef for pork or chicken for a different variation of the dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let the roast beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread. A glass of red wine or a cranberry spritzer complements the meal perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, dried cranberries can be used, but adjust the amount based on your preference. - Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Follow the same steps and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. - Is it necessary to sear the beef before cooking?
Searing the beef adds flavor and helps to lock in juices, but it can be skipped if needed. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to a savory and sweet culinary experience with Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or a festive holiday meal, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know how it turned out!
PrintCranberry Balsamic Roast Beef
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef recipe features a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that is perfect for a special dinner. The tender beef roast is cooked in a flavorful balsamic-cranberry sauce that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (2-3 pound) beef roast
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 pound carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Sear the beef: In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned.
- Add ingredients: Add onion, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, cranberries, and carrots to the pot.
- Cook: Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the sauce: If desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Slice the beef and serve with the vegetables and sauce.
Notes
- You can use a slow cooker for this recipe by following the same steps and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg