Name: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket for Cozy Festive Gatherings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 300 min
Ingredients: 3.5 lbs brisket, flat cut (This tender cut shines when slow-roasted.); 1 tbsp olive oil (Helps the seasonings stick.); 1 tsp salt (Essential for enhancing flavor.); 1 tsp black pepper (Brings warmth to the dish.); 1 tsp dried thyme (Adds herbaceous note.); 1 tsp dried rosemary (Infuses earthy aromas.); 1 tsp garlic powder (Adds savory goodness.); 1 tsp onion powder (Enhances the flavor profile.); 1 whole yellow onion, diced & sliced (Creates a flavorful sauce base.); 5 cloves garlic, minced (Brings brightness and aroma.); 1 whole shallot, diced (Provides a sweet onion flavor.); 14 oz cranberry jelly (Offers sweet-tart balance.); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Deepens umami flavor.); 0.5 cup Guinness (Adds flavor and tenderizes the brisket.); 1 lb red potatoes, petite (Soak up flavors.); 1 cup dried cranberries (Add texture and color.); 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (For garnish.); 3 sprigs fresh thyme (For garnish.)

In the midst of holiday preparations, I found myself facing a challenge: how to impress my guests without spending the entire day in the kitchen. Enter the Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket—my secret weapon for festive gatherings! This incredible one-pan meal not only saves time, but it also delivers a mouthwatering sweet and savory experience thanks to the unique blend of cranberry and Guinness. Picture a juicy brisket braising alongside tender red potatoes, bathing everything in that delightful sauce. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for sharing and making memories around the table. Ready to transform your holiday feast into something extraordinary? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s sure to impress!

Why Is This Brisket So Irresistible?

Simplicity at its Best: This recipe is a breeze, combining juicy brisket with minimal prep, making it perfect for holiday hosting.

Rich, Festive Flavor: The savory-sweet sauce of cranberry and Guinness elevates traditional brisket, creating an impressive centerpiece for your table.

One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as the brisket and red potatoes share the same delicious sauce.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Your guests will rave about this hearty comfort food, making it a memorable addition to any holiday gathering.

Versatile Options: Want to make it gluten-free or swap in fresh cranberries? This recipe accommodates your needs while still dazzling your guests.

For more festive meal ideas, check out the Cheesy Hot Beef or our delightful French Onion Beef for more comfort food inspiration!

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Ingredients

For the Brisket
• Brisket (3.5 lbs, flat cut) – This tender cut shines when slow-roasted, ensuring a juicy centerpiece.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp) – A key ingredient to help the seasonings stick and add a rich flavor.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the brisket.
• Black pepper (1 tsp) – Brings warmth and depth to the dish.
• Dried thyme (1 tsp) – Adds a lovely herbaceous note to balance the richness.
• Dried rosemary (1 tsp) – Infuses earthy aromas that complement the beef beautifully.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp) – Gives an added layer of savory goodness.
• Onion powder (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor profile of the brisket.

For the Sauce
• Yellow onion (1, diced & sliced) – Crucial for creating a flavorful sauce base.
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic brings brightness and enhancing aromas.
• Shallot (1, diced) – Provides a sweet onion flavor that rounds out the sauce.
• Cranberry jelly (14 oz) – The star of the show, it offers a sweet-tart balance that defines the dish.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – Deepens the umami flavor for a richer taste.
• Guinness (½ cup) – This ingredient adds not only flavor but helps tenderize the brisket beautifully.

For the Side & Garnish
• Red potatoes (1 lb, petite) – Cook alongside the brisket, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Dried cranberries (1 cup) – Add texture and a festive pop of color to the dish.
• Fresh rosemary/thyme (3 sprigs each) – For garnish, these herbs add an aromatic finishing touch.

This Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is the perfect festive dish to elevate your holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Step 1: Prep the Brisket
Remove your 3.5 lbs flat-cut brisket from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to come to room temperature. Rub the robust meat generously with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder for depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prep Aromatics
While the brisket is coming to temperature, dice half of a yellow onion and thinly slice the other half. These will enhance the sauce’s flavor and aroma, creating a delightful base for your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic along with the diced shallot for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, incorporate 14 oz of cranberry jelly, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of Guinness. Let this mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to a low temperature of 250°F (120°C). This slow-roasting method is crucial for tenderizing the brisket while letting those rich flavors develop and intensify throughout the cooking process.

Step 5: Assemble
Pour half of the prepared sauce into a high-sided roasting pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Place the sliced onions on top, then lay the seasoned brisket over this flavorful layer. Pour the remaining sauce generously over the brisket, adding petite red potatoes and dried cranberries around it. Cover the pan tightly with foil.

Step 6: Roast
Insert the assembled pan into the preheated oven and roast the brisket for 4 hours, watching as it transforms into a golden-brown delight. The slow cooking will render it fork-tender, infusing the potatoes with all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Step 7: Rest & Serve
Once the roasting time is complete, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing. This step helps retain the juices and enhances tenderness. Cut against the grain and serve with the luscious pan sauce and potatoes for a beautiful presentation alongside your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket.

What to Serve with Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

A complete holiday spread deserves delightful accompaniments that elevate your meal and warm the spirit.

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes: These creamy potatoes are a luxurious side that absorb the brisket’s rich sauce deliciously.
Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans with a sprinkle of toasted almonds add a fresh, nutty contrast to the savory brisket.
Festive Cranberry Salad: A vibrant mix of greens, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty beef, introducing brightness to your plate.
Savory Stuffing: This warm, herby stuffing is perfect for soaking up the delightful drippings from the brisket, enhancing flavor with every bite.
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips: Sweet, caramelized root vegetables add a touch of sweetness and earthiness, complementing the savory-sweet notes of the brisket.
Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are ideal for sopping up every drop of the rich cranberry sauce, creating a satisfying end to your meal.
Rich Red Wine: A glass of bold red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, enhances the flavors of the brisket, making each bite more indulgent.
Chocolate Tart: Finish your festive feast with a luscious chocolate tart, offering a sweet crescendo to a savory meal that your guests will love.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Fridge: Store leftover Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its flavor and tenderness.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the brisket tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. This helps preserve the delicious sauce and moisture.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through, keeping it covered to retain moisture.

Serving Suggestion: Serve reheated brisket with fresh sides for a cozy reimagining of your festive meal.

Expert Tips for Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Resting is Key: Allowing the brisket to rest for 30 minutes after cooking ensures juiciness. This step is crucial for a tender bite.
Slice Against the Grain: Always slice brisket against the grain to maximize tenderness. This simple technique will make a noticeable difference in texture.
Use a Deep Pan: A high-sided roasting pan helps contain the flavorful juices as the brisket cooks, preventing spills and enhancing the sauce.
Substitution Options: If you want to adapt the recipe, substitute Guinness with beef broth or cola for a non-alcoholic version, or opt for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Enhance with Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies, like carrots or parsnips, for extra color and flavor, ensuring your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is festive and hearty.

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket options are ideal for home cooks looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the brisket up to 24 hours in advance by seasoning it with olive oil and spices, then storing it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made ahead by sautéing the aromatics and combining them with the cranberry jelly and Guinness; refrigerate this mixture for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble everything in a roasting pan and pop it in the oven, allowing it to roast to perfection. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday meal while still serving up that comforting, delicious brisket everyone will love.

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Variations

Embrace your creativity and customize this delightful dish to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute the Guinness with gluten-free beef broth or cola to keep the flavors intact without gluten.
Slow Cooker: Cook in the slow cooker on low for 8-9 hours for a convenient hands-off approach to this comforting dish.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or parsnips for added sweetness and color that complement this savory meal.
Balsamic Twist: Swap cranberry jelly for balsamic glaze to create a tangy, gourmet sauce that adds a new flavor dimension.
Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries instead of jelly for a tart and vibrant contrast that brightens the dish beautifully.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a zesty finish.
Herbal Infusion: Try mixing in fresh thyme and parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Sauce Variations: Elevate the sauce by incorporating orange juice or zest, giving it a festive citrus twist that pairs splendidly with the beef.

For more cozy meal ideas, don’t miss our comforting French Onion Beef or hearty Beef Taquitos Comfort to delight your guests!

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe FAQs

What type of brisket should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using a flat-cut brisket, which weighs about 3.5 lbs. It’s ideal for slow-roasting, ensuring your beef is incredibly tender and juicy when cooked. You can find it at your local butcher or grocery store, and look for one with good marbling for maximum flavor.

How should I store leftovers of the cranberry holiday beef brisket?
Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing it to keep it fresh. When reheating, do so gently in the oven to maintain its succulence and flavor.

Can I freeze the cranberry holiday beef brisket?
Absolutely! To freeze, tightly wrap the cooled brisket in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven.

What if my brisket turns out tough after cooking?
If your brisket ends up tough, it might need more time to cook, as brisket can improve in tenderness with longer cooking. If it’s not fully tender after the suggested time, you can cover it tightly with foil and let it cook for an additional hour in the oven. The slow cooking process is essential for breaking down the fibers in the meat.

Is this cranberry holiday beef brisket gluten-free?
Great question! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version and replacing the Guinness with beef broth or cola for a similar depth of flavor. Just make sure to check all labels for potential gluten-containing ingredients!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry jelly?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries! Simply swap out the 14 oz of cranberry jelly with about 2 cups of fresh cranberries. Be aware that this will change the flavor profile, making it more tart and less sweet, which can be a delightful variation! Just be sure to add a bit more sugar or honey to balance out the tartness if desired.