Description

A festive and flavorful main dish, this Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket combines slow-cooked, fork-tender beef with a sweet-tart glaze made from cranberry sauce, orange juice, and fresh herbs—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter meals.

Ingredients

4–5 lb beef brisket

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry)

1/2 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 bay leaf

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season it all over with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket, fat side down first, for 4–5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour into the pot.
Return the brisket to the pot, fat side up. Spoon some sauce over the top and cover with a lid.
Transfer the pot to the oven and cook for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Serve with plenty of cranberry glaze spooned over the top.

Notes

Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth.

For a spicier version, include red pepper flakes or chipotle in adobo.

If using dried herbs, use half the amount of rosemary and thyme.

Can be made in a slow cooker on low for 8–9 hours.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the oven at 300°F with sauce, covered with foil, for 20–25 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 brisket with sauce
Calories: 420
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 115mg