Name: Holiday Roast Beef with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 lb beef roast (top sirloin, rib roast, or eye of round); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen); 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup honey or sugar; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Pinch of salt

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If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday table with something both elegant and bursting with flavor, this Holiday Roast Beef with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines a perfectly roasted beef that’s juicy and tender, paired with a tangy, sweet cranberry balsamic sauce that elevates every bite. Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive feast, this recipe will quickly become your go-to celebration centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with raw red meat on the left side. Surrounding the plate are several small white bowls each holding different ingredients: a bowl of orange sliced pieces at the top right, bright red whole cranberries below it, white sliced onions on the bottom left, a bowl with a reddish sauce or jam in the center, and small bowls containing dark liquids and green chopped herbs with minced light yellow substance at the bottom. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create rich flavors and vibrant colors. Each element plays a crucial role, from the aromatic herbs enhancing the beef to the sweet-tart cranberries balancing the sauce.

3–4 lb beef roast (top sirloin, rib roast, or eye of round): Choose a cut known for its tenderness and flavor to ensure a perfect roast.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nice crust on the beef.
1 tbsp salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out natural flavors.
1 tsp pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances the meat’s savory notes.
1 tsp garlic powder: Offers a robust garlic flavor without overpowering.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Brings an earthy, fragrant aroma that pairs wonderfully with beef.
1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star of the sauce, providing vibrant color and tartness.
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar: Adds a lovely acidity and depth to the sauce.
1/4 cup honey or sugar: Balances the tangy cranberries and vinegar with sweetness.
1/2 cup beef broth: Creates a rich, savory base for the sauce’s texture.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: Gives a slight kick and complexity to the sauce.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the sauce.

How to Make Holiday Roast Beef with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Pat your beef roast dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better. Rub the roast generously with olive oil, then coat it all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. This simple blend forms a flavorful crust that locks in moisture as the beef cooks.

Step 2: Roasting the Beef

Place your seasoned roast in a roasting pan, preferably on a rack, so air can circulate for even cooking. Roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Using a meat thermometer here is a gamechanger—aim for 135°F for medium rare or 145°F for medium. This ensures your roast is juicy and perfectly cooked every time.

Step 3: Resting the Roast

Once out of the oven, let the beef rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, so when you slice it, each bite is tender and flavorful rather than dry.

Step 4: Making the Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

While the roast rests, it’s time to make that show-stopping cranberry balsamic sauce. Combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey (or sugar), beef broth, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a glossy sauce. The balance of tartness and sweetness here perfectly complements the savory beef.

Step 5: Serving

Slice the rested roast thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Drizzle the warm cranberry balsamic sauce generously over the beef slices, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.

How to Serve Holiday Roast Beef with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe

A thick, juicy piece of cooked dark meat roast sits in the center of a white plate, with a dark brown crust and textured surface. On top of the meat, there is a shiny, rich red sauce covering it, filled with whole cranberries and small pieces of orange. To the side of the roast, there is a scoop of creamy white mashed potatoes, garnished with small green herb sprigs. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or a few whole cranberries scattered over the top adds a beautiful holiday touch. For some extra zing, a thin peel of orange zest can be grated over the sauce, lending a bright and citrusy aroma that elevates the dish further.

Side Dishes

This standout roast pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. A crisp green salad or sautéed Brussels sprouts can add just the right balance of freshness and crunch to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, arrange the sliced beef on a large platter and drizzle the cranberry balsamic sauce artistically. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and a few whole cranberries. Alternatively, turn leftovers into elegant sliders with a dollop of the sauce and fresh greens on small rolls, perfect for holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your holiday roast, store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the cranberry balsamic sauce separate in a small jar or container to preserve its texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover roast beef slices, but for best results, slice before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze the cranberry balsamic sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. Together, they make a fantastic quick meal later on.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beef gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Heat the sauce separately on low until just warmed through. Combining them just before serving keeps everything fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While top sirloin, rib roast, or eye of round work best for tenderness and flavor, you can use other roasts like chuck if cooked properly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid toughness.

Is it necessary to use fresh cranberries for the sauce?

Nope! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and are often more convenient to keep on hand. Just make sure to thaw them a bit before simmering so the sauce cooks evenly.

How can I tell when the roast beef is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium rare, aim for 135°F, and for medium, 145°F. Remember the roast will continue to cook slightly while resting, so take it out a few degrees before your target temperature.

Can I make the cranberry balsamic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors often deepen with a bit of rest, making it even more delicious.

What if I want to make this for a large crowd?

This Holiday Roast Beef with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe scales up beautifully. Just increase the size of your roast and multiply the sauce ingredients. A large roasting pan and a meat thermometer become your best friends for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Roast Beef with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that brings warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to your table. It’s straightforward to prepare but impressive enough to wow your guests. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find that the rich, juicy beef combined with that zesty, sweet sauce will make your holiday meals unforgettable.