Description
A festive and flavorful beef brisket slow-cooked in a tangy cranberry sauce with hints of garlic, onion, and herbs. Perfect for holiday dinners, this tender, melt-in-your-mouth brisket brings a sweet and savory balance to your table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs beef brisket, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear brisket on both sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in cranberry sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Mix well to combine.
- Return the brisket to the pot, spoon some sauce over the top, and cover with a lid or foil.
- Bake for 3–3 1/2 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
- Remove the brisket and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Optional: To thicken the sauce, transfer the pot to the stovetop and whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve slices of brisket topped with warm cranberry sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a slow cooker version, cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Use homemade cranberry sauce for a richer flavor.
- This brisket tastes even better the next day — refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice for a complete holiday meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked / Braised
- Cuisine: American