Introduction

This Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is a festive one-pan meal that combines tender brisket with a tangy cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavors.

A large piece of cooked meat with a dark brown, slightly crispy outer layer sits in a white oval baking dish filled with rich, thick brown sauce. The meat is sliced partially on one side, revealing a pinkish center with a juicy texture. Bright red cranberries and small green herbs, likely rosemary or thyme, are scattered over the meat and sauce, adding color and texture. The dish rests on a wooden board, with sprigs of fresh rosemary around it, and in the background, there are red potatoes and a jar with a dark red sauce or jam. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3-4 pounds Brisket, flat cut recommended for tenderness
2 tablespoons Olive Oil, for coating the brisket
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 Yellow Onion, diced or sliced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Shallot (optional)
1 cup Cranberry Sauce, gel or jelly form
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (gluten-free option available)
1 cup Guinness Beer (can substitute beef broth or cola)
12 ounces Red Potatoes, petite (substitute with other hearty veggies if desired)
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (raisins can be used instead)
2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (rosemary and thyme for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the brisket from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Coat it generously with olive oil and season evenly with dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and shallot (if using) until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the cranberry sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness beer. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Pour half of the sauce mixture into a roasting pan. Layer the sautéed onions on top, then place the brisket fat side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the brisket.
Step 5: Arrange the red potatoes and dried cranberries around the brisket in the roasting pan. Cover with foil to trap moisture and roast in the oven for about 4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
Step 6: Once done, remove the brisket and let it rest, covered loosely with foil, for 30 minutes. Slice the meat against the grain and serve hot with the potatoes and sauce. Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme.

Tips & Variations

For extra tender brisket, consider marinating it overnight with the seasoning mix before cooking.
Substitute Guinness with beef broth or cola for a different flavor profile or to keep it non-alcoholic.
Add hearty vegetables like carrots or parsnips alongside the potatoes for more variety.
Use fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar as a substitute for cranberry sauce for a more natural texture.

Storage

Store leftover brisket and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat to prevent drying out. You can also freeze the cooked brisket wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a main piece of cooked roast beef sliced partially on the left side, revealing a juicy, slightly pink inside with a dark brown, glossy, textured crust on top. The roast sits in a white oval dish with golden roasted baby potatoes scattered around it. Small bright red cranberries and sprigs of fresh green rosemary decorate the surface of the beef and roast liquid, adding color and texture. The dish rests on a gray cloth, placed on a wooden board, with some rosemary sprigs lying nearby, all set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While flat cut brisket is recommended for tenderness, you can use other brisket cuts or even a chuck roast, but cooking times may vary to achieve the best tenderness.

Is it necessary to use cranberry sauce?

The cranberry sauce adds a festive tang and sweetness that balances the savory brisket. However, you can substitute with a mixture of fresh cranberries cooked with sugar or omit it for a more traditional beef flavor.