Name: Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 15 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ pounds brisket, flat cut; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 yellow onion (half diced, half thinly sliced); 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot, diced; 14 ounces cranberry jelly; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup beer, Guinness; 1 pound red potatoes, petite; 1 cup dried cranberries; 3 sprigs rosemary, fresh; 3 sprigs thyme, fresh

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 129 reviews

If you’re craving a wintery twist on classic comfort food, this Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe has got you covered. I absolutely love how it balances rich beefy flavors with that bright, tangy touch from the cranberries and beer – it’s like a holiday party on your plate! Stick around, because I’m sharing my step-by-step tips to help you nail this cozy, crowd-pleasing roast every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Holiday Comfort: The cranberry and beer combo makes this brisket stand out while still feeling classic and cozy.
Hands-off Slow Cooking: It’s all about low and slow, so the beef turns tender and juicy without you hovering over the stove.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The cranberry jelly mixed with Worcestershire and Guinness creates a tangy, savory glaze that’s totally addictive.
Easy to Customize: You can swap herbs or sides to make it your own, and it’s always a hit with guests.

The image shows a large white rectangular baking dish with red handles, filled with a dark roasted meat roast on top, surrounded by small browned onions and dark red cooked cranberries in a rich brown sauce. Several bright green sprigs of rosemary are placed on and around the roast, adding texture and color contrast. The dish sits on a wooden textured table with a striped grey and white cloth beneath the handle. To the right, there is a white basket filled with light golden bread rolls. In the background, there is a silver carving fork and knife with black handles, along with scattered sprigs of fresh herbs, cranberries, and garlic cloves on the table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Beef Brisket Without Recipe, holiday beef brisket, slow cooker beef brisket, festive beef roast with cranberries, easy beef brisket for holidays

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here might look simple, but they work magic together to form a deep, layered flavor profile. When shopping, look for a fresh brisket flat cut and don’t skip on using real cranberry jelly—it’s key for that signature sweet-tart zing.

Flat lay of a large raw beef brisket flat cut with visible marbling, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with a mix of coarse salt, black pepper, dried thyme and rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder, a whole yellow onion halved—one half sliced thinly and one half diced in a small pile, five fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with glossy deep red cranberry jelly, a small white bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of dark Guinness beer, a cluster of petite red potatoes with smooth skins, a small white bowl holding plump dried cranberries, and three sprigs each of fresh green rosemary and thyme arranged symmetrically—all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cranberry Beef Brisket Without Recipe, holiday beef brisket, slow cooker beef brisket, festive beef roast with cranberries, easy beef brisket for holidays

Brisket, flat cut: Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a touch of richness.
Salt and black pepper: The simplest seasonings that bring out the meat’s true flavor.
Dried thyme and rosemary: Classic herbs that complement beef beautifully.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the savoriness without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Using both diced and sliced adds different textures in the dish.
Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch.
Shallot, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
Cranberry jelly: The secret ingredient bringing that holiday cheer to the roast.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a savory, umami boost that balances the tart cranberries.
Beer, Guinness: Adds richness and slight bitterness—it’s an unexpected but stellar pairing.
Red potatoes, petite: Roasted alongside the brisket for an easy side.
Dried cranberries: Provides chewy bursts of flavor that contrast the tender meat.
Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs: Infuse fresh herb aroma throughout the roasting process.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe depending on the season or occasion—it’s a wonderfully flexible dish that you can tailor to your family’s taste.

Spicy Kick: Once, I added a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne, which brought a subtle heat that my husband adored.
Wine Swap: If Guinness isn’t your thing, try a full-bodied red wine instead—it adds a lovely depth and works well with the cranberry.
Vegetarian-Friendly Side: I sometimes roast root veggies like carrots and parsnips with the potatoes to add more color and sweetness.
Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer, this recipe translates beautifully to a slow cooker, simmering on low for 8 hours for extra tenderness.

How to Make Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Brisket

Start by taking your brisket out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking – this helps it come to room temperature and promotes even cooking. Meanwhile, mix your salt, pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub the brisket all over with olive oil, then season it liberally with your spice mixture. I learned that the more generous you are with seasoning, the better the flavorful crust when the brisket roasts.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Dice half of your onion and thinly slice the other half. Heat some olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the diced onions, shallot, and minced garlic. Let this soften and get fragrant for about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the cranberry jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness beer to create that deliciously tangy, rich sauce. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors – you’ll want to breathe in that incredible aroma!

Step 3: Assemble and Roast

Preheat your oven to a low 250°F – this slow roasting is key for tender brisket. Pour half of your cranberry sauce into the bottom of a roasting pan. Add the sliced onions on top, then place your brisket fat-side down in the pan. Pour the rest of the sauce over the brisket. Surround it with petite red potatoes, dried cranberries, and fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture, and roast on the center rack for 4 hours. Trust me, the low heat and slow cooking create the most melt-in-your-mouth brisket you’ll ever have.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, I let the brisket rest for about 15 minutes before slicing – this helps the juices redistribute and keeps each bite juicy. Be sure to slice against the grain to make the meat easier to chew. Serve it up alongside the roasted potatoes and pour over some of that luscious sauce from the pan. You’ll find this dish quickly becomes a favorite for all your holiday dinners.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe

Room Temperature Meat Matters: Letting your brisket rest before cooking helps it cook evenly and prevents that cold-core undercooked section.
Low and Slow Is Key: Roasting at a low temperature for several hours gently breaks down collagen, making the brisket tender.
Don’t Skip the Sauce Simmer: Simmer the cranberry-beer sauce well to avoid a raw alcohol taste and to deepen flavors.
Use a Roasting Pan with High Sides: It keeps all those delicious juices and cranberries contained for basting and flavor.

How to Serve Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe

Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving – it adds a pop of color and an herbal freshness that brightens the rich meat. Sometimes, a few extra dried cranberries on the side help amp up the sweetness contrast, which my family always digs.

Side Dishes

This brisket roast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted green beans for some crunch. When I want to go all out, I make roasted root vegetables tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs—they soak up any leftover cranberry sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this brisket on a wooden cutting board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and festive cranberries—adds a rustic, cozy vibe that guests love. Another fun idea is to slice the brisket thinly and serve as sliders with a bit of the cranberry sauce, perfect for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and because the meat soaks up the sauce overnight, it actually tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to separate the potatoes if you want them to stay firm longer.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream! Portion the brisket with some sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep everything tender and juicy.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 300°F, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out. Heating low and slow helps maintain tenderness and keeps the cranberry sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this cranberry brisket recipe?

Absolutely! While a brisket flat cut is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you could also try a chuck roast for a similar slow-roasted effect. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as different cuts vary in thickness and fat content.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitution for the Guinness beer?

Yes! You can substitute the Guinness with beef broth or a non-alcoholic malt beverage to retain some depth without the alcohol. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can add a bit of acidity that plays nicely with the cranberries, too.
How do I know when the brisket is done?

After roasting for about 4 hours at 250°F, the brisket should be fork-tender, meaning a fork easily slides in and out with little resistance. If it’s not quite tender, give it an extra 30 minutes and check again—it’s worth the patience!
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! Making the cranberry-beer sauce a day ahead amps up the flavor as it sits. Reheat gently before pouring over the brisket to ensure it mixes well during roasting.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Beef Brisket Roast Recipe really has a special place in my heart, especially around the holidays. It’s a dish that feels both festive and comforting, perfect for gathering friends and family around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that invites you to slow down, savor the aromas, and create moments worth remembering. Give it a try; I promise your kitchen and your taste buds will thank you!