Description
This Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is a festive twist on a classic slow-cooked favorite. Tender beef brisket is braised in a rich cranberry and red wine sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s an elegant, make-ahead main dish ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, or use extra broth)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tbsp butter (for finishing sauce)
- Fresh cranberries and parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions and sauté for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in cranberry sauce, beef broth, red wine, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well to combine.
- Return the brisket to the pot, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Cover and braise in the oven for 3–3.5 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Meanwhile, simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in 1 tbsp butter for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Serve the sliced brisket topped with cranberry sauce and garnish with fresh cranberries and parsley.
Notes
- This dish can be made a day ahead — refrigerate and reheat gently in the sauce for best flavor.
- Use homemade or canned cranberry sauce; whole berry gives the best texture.
- Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or wild rice pilaf.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braise
- Cuisine: American