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Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef


  • Author: Tyla
  • Total Time: 25 minute
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x

Description

Get ready to meet the roast beef that’s going to change your entire relationship with Sunday dinners. This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef is basically what happens when comfort food decides to put on its best outfit and go to a fancy dinner party. We’re talking a perfectly seasoned beef roast that gets lacquered with a sticky, sweet-and-tangy cranberry balsamic glaze that caramelizes into this gorgeous, glossy coating that makes the whole thing look like it came from a five-star restaurant. The cranberries add this amazing tartness that cuts through the richness of the beef, while the balsamic brings depth and that perfect touch of acidity. This isn’t just dinner — it’s the kind of meal that makes people stop talking mid-bite and just stare at you in amazement.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Roast:

  • 45 lb beef chuck roast or bottom round roast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

For the Cranberry Balsamic Glaze:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or 3/4 cup dried cranberries)
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or red wine
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables (Optional but Amazing):

  • 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
  • 4 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 large onions, quartered
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

For Garnish:

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Extra fresh cranberries
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prep That Beautiful Roast

Take the roast out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Pat the roast completely dry with paper towels (this is crucial for good browning).

Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl.

Rub this seasoning mixture all over the roast, getting into every nook and cranny.

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or roasting pan over medium-high heat.

Sear the roast on all sides until deeply golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.

This step is key for developing that rich, beefy flavor. Don’t skip it!

Remove roast to a plate temporarily.

Step 3: Make That Incredible Glaze

In the same pot with all those beautiful browned bits, add cranberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and honey.

Add minced garlic, rosemary, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if using.

Pour in beef broth or wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful bits.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until cranberries start to pop and sauce thickens slightly.

Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper. The glaze should be glossy and smell incredible.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Return the seared roast to the pot with the glaze.

If using vegetables, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange around the roast.

Cover with a lid or foil and roast for about 1.5-2 hours, or until internal temp reaches 135°F for medium-rare.

Baste the roast with the glaze every 30 minutes — this builds up that gorgeous coating.

Step 5: The Final Glaze

Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the glaze caramelize and the roast develop a beautiful crust.

If the glaze gets too thick, add a splash more broth or balsamic vinegar.

The roast is done when it reaches your desired internal temperature (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).

Step 6: Rest and Serve Like a Pro

Remove roast from oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes (this is crucial for juicy slices).

While resting, strain the pan juices and skim off excess fat to make a gorgeous sauce.

Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices.

Arrange on a platter, drizzle with the pan sauce, and garnish with fresh rosemary and cranberries.

Notes

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts for the perfect holiday spread.

The pan juices make an incredible gravy — just strain and serve alongside.

Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

Crusty bread for soaking up that amazing sauce is basically mandatory.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-2.5 hours

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~420 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: ~18g
  • Protein: ~45g