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Hey, friends!
The holiday season is here, and I’ve got a mouth-watering recipe to spice up your festive meals.
Today, I’m sharing my Christmas cranberry pot roast.
It’s savory, sweet, and oh-so-delicious!
Imagine tender meat with a flavorful cranberry glaze, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Trust me, this dish will wow your guests!
Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Beef roast can be replaced with pork shoulder or turkey breast for alternative protein options. These substitutions maintain a tender, flavorful result while accommodating different dietary preferences. Adjust cooking time as needed, as pork and turkey may cook faster than beef. Cranberry sauce can be substituted with a blend of applesauce and dried cranberries for a lower sugar option. Use 1 cup applesauce mixed with 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries. This maintains the fruity flavor profile while reducing added sugars. Butter can be replaced with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Use 3 tablespoons of oil instead of 4 tablespoons of butter. This substitution provides healthy fats while keeping the dish moist and flavorful.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 240-480 minutes |
| Total Time | 255-500 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2000-2200
- Protein: 170-200 g
- Fat: 120-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-100 g
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef roast
- 1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce (homemade or 14-ounce canned)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Roast
Begin by placing your beef roast in the slow cooker.
Make sure it’s centered for even cooking.
This foundational step sets the stage for all the flavors to meld together seamlessly.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Sauce Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce and onion soup mix until well combined.
This mixture will serve as a flavorful base that will infuse the roast with delicious taste during the cooking process.
Step 3: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Pour the cranberry sauce mixture over the beef roast, ensuring the entire roast is coated.
Add the butter directly on top of the roast, allowing it to melt and seep throughout the meat.
Next, sprinkle the cranberries around the beef roast, providing additional flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Roast
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the meat becomes tender and capable of falling apart with ease.
The prolonged cooking time will ensure that the roast absorbs all the rich flavors.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once the roast is cooked to tender perfection, carefully shred the meat using two forks.
Serve the shredded meat with its rich sauce poured over the top.
If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness.
