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Fall-Apart Balsamic Beef with Cranberry Glaze

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Fall-Apart Balsamic Beef with Cranberry Glaze is a tender, slow-cooked beef recipe that’s rich, savory, and subtly sweet. Perfect for holidays or cozy dinners, this dish combines deep balsamic flavor with a bright cranberry glaze — a low-effort, high-impact recipe that melts in your mouth and impresses every time.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3–8 hours (depending on method)
  • Total Time: Up to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6–8
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker, Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 3–4 lb beef chuck roast or brisket
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup whole cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme

Instructions

  1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
  3. In a slow cooker or large Dutch oven, whisk together balsamic vinegar, beef broth, garlic, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
  4. Add sliced onion and place the seared beef into the mixture. Spoon some of the glaze over the top.
  5. Slow cooker method: Cook on low for 8 hours or until fork-tender.
  6. Oven method: Cover and roast at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours.
  7. Remove the beef and let it rest. Optional: transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer to reduce and thicken slightly.
  8. Slice or shred the beef and serve with the cranberry balsamic glaze poured over top.

Notes

  • Use brisket or boneless short ribs as an alternative to chuck roast.
  • Add orange zest or a splash of red wine to the glaze for extra depth.
  • Stir in chili paste or red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
  • For homemade cranberry sauce, simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta, or noodles for a full meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/fall-apart-balsamic-beef-with-cranberry-glaze/