If you’re looking for a holiday dinner that is festive, flavorful, and effortless to prepare, this Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast is the perfect dish. Combining the classic tenderness of a pot roast with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, this recipe is ideal for a memorable Christmas feast or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast Recipe
- Festive Flavors: The cranberry sauce adds a holiday twist to the traditional pot roast.
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy the day.
- Budget-Friendly: A chuck roast is an economical choice that feels elegant and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3–4 lbs chuck roast (larger if feeding a crowd; double the recipe for two slow cookers)
- Optional: fresh cranberries for added color and flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast:
- Place your chuck roast (3–4 lbs) into the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce:
- Combine the whole cranberry sauce and onion soup mix in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the roast.
- Add Butter:
- Dot the roast with 4 tablespoons of butter for added richness.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4 hours. For the most tender result, low and slow is recommended.
- Optional Fresh Cranberries:
- For an extra festive touch, toss a handful of fresh cranberries into the slow cooker at the start.
- Serve:
- Once the roast is falling apart, transfer it to a platter. Use a slotted spoon to remove some cranberries for garnish. Slice the beef into manageable pieces, or shred it if it’s very tender.
What to Serve With Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast
This roast pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or broccoli. The rich and tangy sauce complements the buttery potatoes and fresh vegetables, creating a well-rounded holiday meal.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Christmas
Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast offers an elevated yet affordable alternative to expensive holiday meats like prime rib. It’s elegant enough for Christmas Day while being easy enough for a busy mom to prepare. Plus, the festive cranberry flavor makes it a standout dish at any holiday table.
Pro Tips
- Use a Slotted Spoon: For a cleaner presentation, remove cranberries from the sauce and use them as a garnish.
- Double the Recipe: Hosting a large gathering? Use two slow cookers for double the pot roast!
- Fresh Cranberries: Adding fresh cranberries during cooking enhances the dish’s flavor and visual appeal.
This Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast is the perfect example of how you can create a show-stopping meal without breaking the bank or spending all day in the kitchen. Give it a try this holiday season, and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends!
What’s your go-to holiday dish? Share your favorite festive recipes in the comments below!
Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
A festive and flavorful pot roast featuring the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce. Perfect for an effortless holiday meal that’s budget-friendly yet elegant.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce (or homemade)
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3–4 lbs chuck roast
- Optional: fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chuck roast into your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the cranberry sauce and onion soup mix. Pour the mixture over the roast.
- Dot the roast with butter.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 4 hours
(Low and slow is recommended for tender results.)
- Optional: Add fresh cranberries at the start of cooking for added flavor and color.
- Once cooked, transfer the roast to a serving platter. Use a slotted spoon to remove cranberries from the sauce for garnish.
- Slice or shred the beef and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for a festive touch and added tartness.
- Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes, green beans, or broccoli.
- To serve a larger group, double the recipe and use two slow cookers.
- Cook Time: 8 hours
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