Introduction
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a slow-braised beef roast. Add cranberries and a splash of balsamic to the mix, and you have a festive dish that is perfect for special occasions or casual family dinners.
Why Make This Recipe
The Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze is a mouthwatering dish that not only fills your kitchen with enticing aromas but also promises to add warmth and flavor to your table. It is the perfect slow-cooking recipe, requiring very little effort once the prep is done. The end result is a beautifully cooked, tender beef roast that easily falls apart, adorned with a glaze that is both tangy and sweet.
How to Make Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs beef chuck roast
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
Directions:
To start the preparation process, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides, then set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast in this pot, ensuring it’s browned on all sides before removing it.
Next, add the onion slices to the pot, allow them to soften, and stir in minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Then pour in the beef broth, cranberry juice, and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine. Add dried cranberries, brown sugar, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot.
Return the beef roast to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the beef braise for about 4 hours, or until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze
This hearty dish is best served with a spoonful of the cranberry balsamic glaze on top. It pairs beautifully with sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
How to Store Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze
Store your leftover Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze
Make sure to not skip the browning step; it unlocks the deep, savory qualities of the roast and makes for a tasty glaze. Secondly, patience is key for this recipe – slow cooking ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful, so don’t rush this process. Lastly, while it’s not necessary, consider using homemade broth for a richer flavor.
Variations
To add some heat, try adding a spoonful of spicy chili paste to the glaze, or go more earthy with the addition of some diced root vegetables like parsnips and carrots in the glaze.
FAQs
1. What’s the purpose of browning the roast beforehand?
– Browning the roast beforehand helps start the Maillard reaction, which gives the meat a richer flavor.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
– Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but remember they might add more tartness to the glaze.
3. Is it necessary to use an oven-safe pot?
– Yes, the pot needs to be oven-safe as the majority of the cooking time is spent in the oven for slow braising.