Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers fork-tender beef, a festive sweet-savory sauce, and excellent make-ahead convenience. It feeds a crowd easily and tastes even better the next day.
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket: A Festive, Tender Roast with Sweet-Savory Depth
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A festive, slow-cooked beef brisket braised in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce with holiday spices, resulting in tender slices and a rich, glossy gravy perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce (whole berry)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the brisket on all sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the brisket until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced onion to the pot and sauté until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in beef broth, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Return brisket to the pot, spooning sauce over the top.
- Cover and transfer to the oven.
- Braise for 3–3½ hours, turning once, until brisket is fork-tender.
- Remove brisket and let rest 15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Simmer sauce on stovetop if needed to thicken, then serve over sliced brisket.
Notes
- Slicing against the grain ensures tender meat.
- Brisket tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef brisket is the heart of the dish. When cooked low and slow, it becomes exceptionally tender and flavorful.
Olive oil helps sear the brisket, building a rich base of flavor.
Salt enhances the natural beefiness and seasons the meat thoroughly.
Black pepper adds warmth and depth without overpowering the sauce.
Onion provides sweetness and body, forming the foundation of the braising liquid.
Garlic adds savory aroma and complexity that complements both beef and cranberries.
Whole berry cranberry sauce brings festive sweetness and gentle acidity, balancing the richness of the brisket.
Beef broth deepens flavor and keeps the brisket moist during slow cooking.
Brown sugar softens the tartness of the cranberries and enhances caramelized notes.
Apple cider vinegar adds brightness and balance to the sauce.
Dried thyme contributes subtle herbal warmth.
Bay leaf adds depth and aroma during braising.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven. Pat the brisket dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or roasting pan over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on both sides until well browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic briefly. Add cranberry sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring to combine. Return the brisket to the pot, spooning sauce over the top. Cover tightly and transfer to the oven. Cook slowly until the brisket is very tender. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest before slicing against the grain. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the sliced brisket to serve.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes. Cooking time is 3 to 3½ hours. Total time is roughly 4 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store brisket and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Variations and Customizations
Orange-cranberry brisket
Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice for citrus brightness.
Spiced holiday brisket
Include cinnamon or allspice for warm seasonal notes.
Slow cooker version
Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low until tender.
Less sweet option
Reduce brown sugar slightly and add extra vinegar for balance.
Wine-enhanced sauce
Replace part of the broth with red wine for deeper flavor.
FAQs
What cut of brisket works best?
Flat-cut brisket slices neatly and cooks evenly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Why slice against the grain?
It ensures the meat stays tender.
Can I freeze cooked brisket?
Yes, freeze with sauce for up to two months.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It is balanced; the cranberries add brightness, not heaviness.
What sides pair well?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, simmer them longer and adjust sweetness.
Does brisket need to be covered?
Yes, tight coverage ensures tenderness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan and adjust cooking time slightly.
Is this suitable for Christmas dinner?
Yes, it is festive, comforting, and crowd-friendly.
Conclusion
Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is a comforting, elegant dish that brings seasonal flavor and warmth to the table. With its tender slices and vibrant sauce, it is a dependable holiday centerpiece that feels both traditional and refreshingly different, perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
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