Christmas Roast Beef Festive: 5 Savory Ideas to Try

A tender and flavorful beef chuck roast, perfect for a festive Christmas dinner, with a rich braising liquid and tender vegetables.

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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Prepare aromatics: quarter onions, crush garlic, and gather herbs.
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove roast and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot for 2-3 minutes. Add thyme and rosemary. Deglaze with beef stock, then add balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
Return the seared roast to the pot, nestling it in the braising liquid. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, or until fork-tender.
About 1 hour before the roast is done, add the prepared carrots and fresh cranberries to the pot, submerging them in the liquid. Return to the oven, covered, for the remaining hour.
Once tender, remove the roast to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes. Strain the braising liquid if desired, skim fat, and adjust seasoning. Slice or shred the roast and serve with vegetables and sauce.