Balsamic Cranberry Braised Beef Comfort Food Elevated

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy a Sunday Roast Fit for Royalty?

Ever wished you could whip up something posh without spending all day in the kitchen? This Balsamic cranberry braised beef cranberry recipe is your answer! It’s proper lush comfort food, with a sweet and tangy twist.

Brief Overview: From Downton to Your Dinner Table

This dish is like a culinary hug. It’s kinda like a gourmet pot roast cranberry , but way more interesting.

Originating from a desire to elevate simple comfort food, it's fit for special occasions or cosy family nights. Takes about 3- 4 hours all in, but most of that is hands-off.

This recipe serves around six people.

Main Benefits: Hello Flavor, Goodbye Stress

Honestly, the biggest win is the flavour. The Cranberry balsamic beef recipe is amazing! Think fall comfort, health wise, beef offers protein, iron, and other minerals.

Perfect for a holiday gathering or anytime you need a bit of elevated comfort. The Balsamic braised chuck roast is the best thing ever.

Okay, Let's Get Cooking

Ready to create some magic? Braised beef with cranberries is easier than it sounds. This is a recipe where the slow cooker cranberry beef really shines.

It is special. It's like your grandma's cooking, but with a sophisticated upgrade. Get ready for some comfort food elevated to the next level.

Trust me, this holiday beef roast recipe will blow your mind. You might even impress Lady Mary.

You need chuck roast, cranberries, balsamic vinegar and some spices. You'll also need some basic cooking equipment.

Alright, let's get this done. A Balsamic cranberry braised beef Cranberry ? Oh my gosh! This is going to be amazing! Think comfort food, but fancier, like a proper "Downton Abbey" meets Thanksgiving dinner.

Are you ready?

Balsamic Cranberry Braised Beef Comfort Food Elevated Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:03 Hrs 30 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (120g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, low sodium preferred
• 2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar, packed, or maple syrup
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

• Generously season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides until deeply colored. Remove beef and set aside.
• In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Deglaze the pot with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in cranberries, beef broth, brown sugar (or maple syrup), rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
• Return the browned beef to the pot, nestling it into the liquid.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Braise for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
• Remove bay leaves and herb sprigs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve the tender beef with the tangy cranberry sauce spooned over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:25g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment

Let’s dive into what you’ll need. Honestly, nothing too crazy. If I can do this you can! I'm not sure exactly how this all goes together, but I will make it work!

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks. Look for good marbling. That's key!
• Salt and pepper, to taste. Don't be shy!
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil.
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 cup (120g) fresh or frozen cranberries. Fresh is best, but frozen works just fine.
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar. Get a decent one; it makes a difference.
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth.
• 2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar, packed. Maple syrup is a cool sub!
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary).
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme).
• 2 bay leaves.

Seasoning Notes: Elevating the Flavor

The magic is in the combo. Rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves are the MVP's. Balsamic vinegar & cranberries: a sweet and sour combo that cuts through the richness of the beef.

No rosemary? Thyme alone will still do the trick.

Equipment Needed

• Dutch oven. Seriously, get one if you don’t have one.
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Tongs

Don't have a Dutch oven? Use a heavy pot with a lid. Easy peasy! Now you are ready to create this gourmet pot roast cranberry . So good.

Balsamic Cranberry Braised Beef Cranberry: Prep Like a Pro

Okay, let's get this done. Essential mise en place is key here. It's all about having everything ready before you start cooking.

Think of it like prepping for a fancy dinner party at Downton Abbey. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, measure out the balsamic vinegar, and have those cranberries ready to go.

Trust me, it makes the whole process smoother.

For time-saving organization, I like to use small bowls to hold each ingredient. It’s a little thing, but it helps me keep track of what I’ve added and what’s still waiting to be used.

Plus, it just looks nice. When browning the beef, ensure the pan isn’t overcrowded. Searing is not steaming, leave space!

Safety first, folks! Especially when searing the beef. Hot oil can splatter. Use oven mitts to avoid burns. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case. You know, better safe than sorry.

Step-by-Step: From Chuck Roast to Comfort Food Elevated

Here’s the nitty-gritty of how to turn that humble chuck roast into a gourmet pot roast cranberry masterpiece.

1. Season the Beef: Generously season those beef chunks with salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
2. Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides. This usually takes about 8- 10 minutes . Remove beef and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté your chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, usually just a minute or two .
4. Deglaze & Add Cranberry Sauce: Deglaze with 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, scraping up any yummy browned bits. Stir in cranberries, beef broth, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
5. Return Beef to Pot: Nestle the browned beef back into the pot, making sure it’s mostly covered by the liquid.
6. Braise: Bring it to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise for 3- 4 hours , or until the beef is fork-tender. Seriously, you should be able to shred it with a fork.
7. Final Touches: Remove bay leaves and herb sprigs. Adjust seasoning. Give it a taste!
8. Serve: Serve the tender beef, spooning that fantastic cranberry sauce over the top. Divine!

Pro Tips for a Braised Beef with Cranberries that Wows

Browning the beef is crucial! Don't skip it. It adds so much flavour. I learned that the hard way. Use good quality balsamic vinegar.

Trust me, the difference is noticeable. Braised beef with cranberries is one of my favourite dishes to serve.

One of the most common mistakes is not braising it long enough. The beef needs time to become truly tender.

Don’t rush it! You really need to leave this braised beef with cranberries alone. Resist the urge to crank up the heat, it's not worth it.

Remember, low and slow.

If you want to make-ahead, braise the beef a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge, then reheat it gently before serving. This actually enhances the flavor!

Recipe Notes for Your Balsamic Cranberry Braised Beef Cranberry Masterpiece

Okay, let's get this done! You've got the recipe for this amazing Balsamic cranberry braised beef Cranberry dish. But before you rush off to the kitchen, let's chat about some important notes.

Think of this section as your secret weapon for making this dish a total triumph! You know? Like the "chef's kiss" kind of perfect.

It's a gourmet pot roast cranberry dream.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters! You want to show off that amazing braised beef with cranberries . Picture this: tender braised chuck roast nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, with that gorgeous cranberry balsamic beef recipe sauce spooned over the top.

Ooh la la! For sides, I suggest roasted root veggies. Think carrots, parsnips, the works. A crisp green salad will cut through the richness perfectly.

A simple red wine would be great too.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish is even better the next day. Store your slow cooker cranberry beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .

If you want to freeze it, portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months . Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Don't forget to add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Just remember - food safety first !

Variations: Make It Your Own

Want to switch things up? No worries! For a lighter option, use chicken broth instead of beef. You could also add a splash of red wine for extra depth.

If you're watching your sugar intake, use a sugar substitute or omit the brown sugar altogether. It is still a Comfort food elevated recipe.

Seasonal ingredient swaps could be something like using frozen cranberries when fresh aren't in season. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

This holiday beef roast recipe is packed with protein. It also has vitamins from the cranberries. And let's be honest, it's good for the soul.

I can't say exactly without it going through a food lab but the recipe has protein, fibre and a bunch of vitamins, so it's definitely worth it.

Listen, this Balsamic cranberry braised beef Cranberry is a showstopper . Follow these notes, and you'll knock it out of the park. Don't stress, have fun, and enjoy! You've got this!