Braised Beef with Cranberries

Introduction

Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance? Braised Beef with Cranberries is just what you need! This recipe combines the savory goodness of slow-cooked beef with the bright, sweet kick of cranberries. Trust me, it’s a match made in flavor heaven. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers away, absorbing all those rich flavors from the herbs and cranberries, creating a sauce that’s both savory and just the right amount of sweet.

I love this dish for so many reasons—it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re entertaining guests and want something that feels special but isn’t too complicated. It’s one of those recipes that makes your house smell amazing, and when everyone gathers around the table, they’ll be asking for seconds (or maybe even thirds!). I remember the first time I made it for my family—it felt like the kind of dish that could be passed down through generations, a meal you’d crave on chilly evenings. And that’s exactly what this recipe has become in our household: a staple for family nights and an easy go-to for when we’re craving something comforting.

If you’re a bit new to cooking or braising, don’t worry! Braising might sound fancy, but it’s actually really simple. All you need is time, and the slow cooking will do the hard work for you. So go ahead, give it a try. You’ll love the outcome, and I bet this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Braised Beef with Cranberries is a must-try:

• Savory and Sweet Balance: The cranberries bring a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory beef.
• Tender, Fall-Apart Beef: Braising the beef makes it incredibly tender and juicy.
• Comforting and Hearty: It’s the perfect dish for cozy meals that leave you feeling satisfied.
• Simple Ingredients: Despite its rich flavor, this recipe uses everyday ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
• Great for Special Occasions: This dish is elegant enough to serve at holiday dinners or family gatherings.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Make-Ahead Option: It can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it great for busy days.
• Versatile: You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Kid-Friendly: The subtle sweetness of the cranberries makes it appealing to younger taste buds too.
• Impressive Dish: Your guests will be wowed by the flavors and the tender texture of the beef.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fiber: 5g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for Braised Beef with Cranberries:

For the Braised Beef:

• 3-4 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Chuck Roast: The best cut for braising, it becomes incredibly tender when cooked slowly.
• Fresh Cranberries: Their tartness adds a beautiful contrast to the rich beef and sauce.
• Red Wine: Adds depth and richness to the braising liquid.
• Worcestershire Sauce & Balsamic Vinegar: These ingredients add complexity and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Balances out the tartness of the cranberries, creating a wonderful sweet-sour harmony.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Braised Beef with Cranberries:

Prepare the Beef

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the Beef: Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
3. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.

Create the Braising Liquid

1. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme.
3. Return the Beef: Place the browned beef back into the pot, ensuring it’s partially submerged in the liquid.

Braised Cooking

1. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the beef for 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
2. Add Cranberries: About 30 minutes before the beef is done, stir in the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Cover and continue braising.

Finish the Dish

1. Remove the Beef: Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
2. Reduce the Sauce: Simmer the braising liquid on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce if needed.
3. Serve: Slice or shred the beef and serve it with the cranberry sauce poured over the top.

How to Serve

Here are some serving suggestions for your Braised Beef with Cranberries:

1. Serve with Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes pair wonderfully with the rich beef and sauce.
2. Over Rice: Serve the beef and cranberries over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
4. Make a Sandwich: Shred the beef and serve it on a bun with some of the braised sauce for a delicious sandwich.
5. With a Side Salad: A simple green salad helps balance the richness of the beef.

Additional Tips

Enhance your Braised Beef with Cranberries with these helpful tips:

1. Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer, you can cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours for a hands-off approach.
2. Make-Ahead: This dish can be made a day in advance. The flavors will develop even more overnight.
3. Leftovers: Leftover braised beef can be used in tacos, wraps, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
4. Freeze It: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze the beef and sauce separately for easy reheating.
5. Use Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries can be used, though the flavor will be a little different.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize your Braised Beef with Cranberries:

• Add Root Vegetables: Add carrots, parsnips, or potatoes to the braise for a complete meal in one pot.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Herb Variations: Swap the thyme for rosemary or add a dash of cinnamon for a warming touch.
• Use Different Cuts of Beef: You can also use brisket or round roast if you prefer.

Freezing and Storage

For optimal storage and freshness:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Braised beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Special Equipment

These tools will help you make your Braised Beef with Cranberries:

• Dutch Oven or Oven-Safe Pot: Ideal for braising beef and keeping it moist.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the braising liquid.
• Sharp Knife: To slice or shred the beef after it’s cooked.
• Lid: For covering the pot while braising in the oven.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Braised Beef with Cranberries:

• Can I use frozen cranberries?
  Yes, frozen cranberries will work just as well as fresh cranberries.
• What if I don’t have red wine?
  You can substitute with beef broth or a non-alcoholic wine.
• Can I use a different cut of beef?
  Yes, cuts like brisket or round roast will also work for braising.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Braised Beef with Cranberries! It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special—whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a festive gathering. The tenderness of the beef combined with the sweet-tart cranberries is simply unbeatable.

Once you’ve made this dish, I’d love to hear all about it! How did it turn out? Was there a moment when the flavors came together in the most magical way? Feel free to drop a comment below and share your thoughts or any tips you’ve picked up along the way. I can’t wait to hear your feedback!

And, of course, don’t forget to snap a photo of your masterpiece and tag me on social media—I absolutely love seeing your creations come to life! Whether you’re posting on Instagram, Facebook, or another platform, it’s always a joy to connect with you through the meals you make. Happy cooking!