Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Pot Roast combines tender, slow-cooked beef with the bright, tangy sweetness of whole berry cranberry sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3–4 lb chuck roast
• 1 large yellow onion (sliced into rings)
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Step 2: Layer the sliced onions evenly in a large baking dish to create a bed for the roast.
3. Step 3: Place the chuck roast on top of the onions.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the minced garlic, brown sugar, dried minced onion, ground thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly over the roast.
5. Step 5: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the roast.
6. Step 6: Drizzle Worcestershire sauce around the roast in the dish.
7. Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
8. Step 8: Bake for 3 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven, shred the meat directly in the dish, and mix it with the pan juices and softened cranberries.
10. Step 10: Serve warm with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme instead of ground for a brighter herb flavor.
• Swap the Worcestershire sauce for balsamic vinegar for a slightly different tang.
• Add carrots or potatoes under the roast to cook alongside and soak up the juices.
• For a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep the meat moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, other cuts suitable for slow cooking like brisket or shoulder roast will work well, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness.

Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Absolutely. Prepare the roast as directed, then cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until tender, adjusting the liquid as needed.

Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 242 reviews

This Cranberry Pot Roast recipe offers a unique twist on the classic pot roast by incorporating tangy whole berry cranberry sauce and aromatic herbs. Slow-baked to tender perfection, the roast is infused with layers of flavor from onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, making it a comforting and festive meal ideal for cozy dinners.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 3–4 lb chuck roast
• 1 large yellow onion (sliced into rings)
• 4 garlic cloves (finely minced)

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for slow roasting.
2. Prepare Onion Bed: Evenly layer the sliced yellow onions in a large baking dish, creating a flavorful base bed for the pot roast.
3. Place Roast: Lay the chuck roast carefully on top of the onion slices, allowing it to rest on the aromatic foundation.
4. Season Roast: Sprinkle the minced garlic, brown sugar, dried minced onion, ground thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the top of the roast for a balanced flavor profile.
5. Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly across the top of the roast, adding a tangy and sweet component that complements the beef.
6. Drizzle Worcestershire: Pour the Worcestershire sauce around the edges of the roast in the baking dish to enrich the dish with depth and umami.
7. Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, then place it in the preheated oven.
8. Slow Roast: Bake for 3 hours or until the chuck roast is fork-tender, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors and become tender.
9. Shred Meat: Carefully remove the roast from the oven, shred the meat directly in the baking dish, and mix it with the pan juices and softened cranberries for an integrated taste.
10. Serve: Serve the cranberry pot roast with classic sides such as mashed potatoes and green beans to complete this hearty meal.

Notes

• Be sure to use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and flavor contrast rather than jellied cranberry sauce.
• Tightly covering the dish with foil is key to keeping the roast moist while baking.
• For added richness, you can add a splash of beef broth around the roast before baking if desired.
• Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be reheated with gravy for another meal.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt and pepper.

Keywords: cranberry pot roast, chuck roast recipe, baked pot roast, cranberry sauce beef, holiday pot roast