Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast is a delicious twist on a classic comfort meal. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with a tangy cranberry glaze, it’s perfect for cozy dinners and holiday gatherings. Set it up in the morning and come home to an irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Ingredients
- 3.5 lb boneless chuck roast
- 1 oz envelope brown gravy mix
- 1 oz envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast for 4–6 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned, developing rich flavor. Then transfer the roast to your crockpot.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the brown gravy mix, dry onion soup mix, diced onion, sliced celery, minced garlic, and dried thyme evenly over the roast in the crockpot.
- Step 3: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the seasoning mix. Tuck the slices of butter over everything to add richness and moisture.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender and infused with savory and tangy flavors.
- Step 5: Serve the roast with a generous spoonful of the cranberry gravy from the crockpot. For a pretty finishing touch, garnish with fresh cranberries and herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, sear the roast in butter instead of oil and add a splash of red wine to the crockpot before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the roast at the end and simmer the sauce on the stove to reduce it slightly.
- Swap fresh thyme for dried, or use rosemary for a different herbal note.
- Adding chopped carrots alongside celery boosts sweetness and color in the pot.
Storage
Store leftover pot roast and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave to keep the meat tender and moist. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the cranberry sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or beef shoulder. Just ensure they have enough marbling for tenderness and adjust cooking time if needed.
What can I serve with crockpot cranberry pot roast?
This roast pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the flavorful cranberry gravy.
PrintCrockpot Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe
This Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked meal featuring a juicy chuck roast braised with a tangy cranberry sauce and seasoned with classic herbs and savory onion soup mix. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it delivers fall-apart tender meat infused with sweet and savory notes, topped with a rich cranberry gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 3.5 lb boneless chuck roast
Seasonings and Mixes
- 1 oz envelope brown gravy mix
- 1 oz envelope dry onion soup mix
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Other Ingredients
- 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Sear the Roast: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the boneless chuck roast on each side for about 4–6 minutes until nicely browned to lock in flavor. Transfer the roast to your crockpot.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Sprinkle the brown gravy mix, dry onion soup mix, diced onion, sliced celery, minced garlic, and dried thyme evenly over the roast in the crockpot.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce and Butter: Spoon the can of whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the roast and vegetables. Distribute the slices of butter over the cranberry sauce and other ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 8–10 hours, or until the meat becomes fall-apart tender and infused with the savory and sweet flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the roast with a generous spoonful of the flavorful cranberry gravy from the crockpot. Optionally, garnish with fresh cranberries and herbs for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- For best results, sear the roast before adding it to the crockpot to develop deeper flavor.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker; check doneness after 8 hours.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley as garnish to enhance aroma and presentation.
- Leftover cranberry gravy can be strained and thickened with cornstarch for a thicker sauce.
Keywords: pot roast, cranberry, slow cooker, crockpot meal, comforting dinner, chuck roast recipe
