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Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Cozy Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket for Festive Feasts

This Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is a must-try centerpiece for festive gatherings, combining savory brisket with the tang of cranberry sauce and a splash of Guinness.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Brisket
  • 3.5 pounds Brisket, flat cut The star of the dish, stays juicy and slices beautifully.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Helps seasoning adhere and adds richness to the meat.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing the flavor of the brisket.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper Adds a mild spice note to balance the richness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Offers a lovely herbal depth to the seasoning mix.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary Contributes a warm and aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Introduces a savory complexity; fresh garlic is used in the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
For the Sauce
  • 1 Yellow onion Aromatic base for the sauce; half diced and half sliced for texture.
  • 5 cloves Garlic, minced Infuses the sauce with strong, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 Shallot, diced Adds a subtle sweetness that enriches the sauce.
  • 14 ounces Cranberry jelly Creates a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly balances the meat’s richness.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Introduces umami depth for extra flavor.
  • 0.5 cup Guinness Deepens the flavor; can be substituted with beef broth for a non-alcoholic option.
For Cooking
  • 1 pound Red potatoes, petite Cooked alongside brisket, they absorb flavors and add heartiness.
  • 1 cup Dried cranberries Adds a chewy texture and festive color to the dish.
  • 3 sprigs Fresh rosemary Enhances aroma and freshness during cooking.
  • 3 sprigs Fresh thyme Complements the herbaceous notes of the dish.

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • medium saucepan

Method
 

Prep the Brisket
  1. Remove the brisket from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to reach room temperature. Coat the brisket with olive oil, ensuring an even layer surrounds the meat. Generously season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary, pressing the spices into the surface.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, diced shallot, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. Incorporate the cranberry jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness into the mixture, stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, thickening slightly and blending the flavors together beautifully.
Assemble the Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). In a large roasting pan, pour half of the prepared sauce, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Layer the sliced onions on top, followed by the trimmed brisket, fat-side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the brisket, ensuring it's fully coated. Arrange the red potatoes and dried cranberries around the brisket, followed by sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for added aroma.
Cook the Brisket
  1. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the brisket roast for approximately 4 hours. Check for doneness towards the end; the meat should be fork-tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.
Finish and Serve
  1. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the brisket from the oven, lifting the foil to avoid steam burns. Allow the meat to rest for 30 minutes before slicing; this step locks in the juices for maximum tenderness. Serve your beautifully sliced brisket with the roasted potatoes and a generous spoonful of the pan sauce drizzled over each portion.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Resting is key for moisture retention. Slice against the grain for tenderness. A deep roasting pan helps contain juices during cooking. Customize the sauce with fresh cranberries or beef broth for added flavor.

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