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Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef Recipe

3.9 from 31 reviews

This Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef recipe features a juicy ribeye roast marinated overnight in a tangy and slightly sweet blend of balsamic vinegar, cranberry sauce, and spices. The roast is seared to a deep golden brown before being roasted in the oven with fresh cranberries and thyme, creating a flavorful pan sauce that perfectly complements the tender beef. Ideal for holiday meals or special occasions, this dish combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for a memorable roast.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Roast Beef

  • 3 to 5 pounds ribeye roast
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 6 sprigs thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: Combine the balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil in a large re-sealable food storage bag that can hold the beef roast. Reserve this marinade mixture.
  2. Marinate Beef: Pierce the ribeye roast all over with a knife to help the flavors penetrate. Place the roast in the marinade bag, seal it, and massage the meat gently to coat it well. Refrigerate overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marination.
  3. Preheat Oven: Remove the roast from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting.
  4. Prepare for Searing: Take the roast out of the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade for better searing.
  5. Sear the Roast: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron pan over medium heat. Place the roast in the hot pan and sear it until a deep golden brown crust forms on all sides, enhancing flavor and texture.
  6. Add Liquids and Aromatics: Pour the reserved marinade and 1/2 cup beef broth into the pan, stirring to combine with the drippings. Add fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs to the pan to infuse additional flavor.
  7. Roast in Oven: Transfer the pan with the roast and ingredients into the preheated oven. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare doneness.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the roast rest for 15 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute. Slice the roast and serve it with the flavorful pan sauce formed during cooking.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight greatly enhances the flavor and tenderness of the roast.
  • For medium to well-done roast, cook longer until the internal temperature reaches 150°F to 160°F.
  • Letting the meat rest before slicing is essential to retain juicy tenderness.
  • Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and taste in the pan sauce.
  • If you don’t have a cast iron pan, use any oven-safe skillet for searing and roasting.

Keywords: cranberry roast beef, balsamic vinegar roast, holiday beef roast, ribeye roast recipe, oven roasted beef