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Holiday Roast Beef with Cranberry Balsamic Sauce Recipe


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4.3 from 55 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A festive, elegant roast beef served with a tangy-sweet cranberry balsamic sauce—perfect for holidays and special gatherings. This roast features a juicy, tender beef complemented by a vibrant sauce that balances sweetness and acidity, making it a standout main dish for any special occasion.


Ingredients

Roast Beef

  • 34 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

Cranberry Balsamic Sauce

  • 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


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the beef evenly.
  2. Prepare the roast: Rub the entire beef roast with olive oil, then season thoroughly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary to enhance flavor and create a savory crust.
  3. Roast the beef: Place the seasoned beef into a roasting pan. Cook in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat reaches your preferred level of doneness. Using a meat thermometer is recommended for accuracy.
  4. Rest the roast: Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast when sliced.
  5. Make the cranberry balsamic sauce: While the roast rests, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey (or sugar), beef broth, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the cranberries burst, about 10-15 minutes.
  6. Serve: Slice the rested roast beef and serve with the warm cranberry balsamic sauce drizzled over the top for a delicious holiday presentation.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your roast reaches perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • Adding a bit of orange zest to the cranberry balsamic sauce can brighten the flavor and add a fresh citrus note.
  • For a sweeter sauce, adjust the amount of honey or sugar according to taste.
  • Allowing the roast to rest is key for juicy slices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Dish, Holiday
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American