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