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Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 34 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