This Crockpot Cranberry Balsamic Beef Roast is the kind of cozy, slow-cooked meal that feels tailor-made for the holiday season. Rich, hearty beef chuck roast slowly simmers in a tangy-sweet blend of cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, and savory aromatics, filling the kitchen with irresistible warmth as it cooks. It’s a hands-off recipe that delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort — perfect for busy holiday days when the slow cooker does all the work.
As the roast cooks low and slow, the beef becomes incredibly tender, soaking up the cranberry-balsamic sauce while releasing its own juices to create a deeply flavorful gravy. The onions soften into silky strands, the garlic mellows, and the sauce transforms into a glossy, spoon-worthy finish that’s ideal for drizzling over the meat. By the time it’s ready, the roast practically falls apart, making every bite comforting, festive, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
