Imagine a dish that fills your home with the warm, inviting aromas of a family gathering, one that pairs the rich flavor of brisket with the tart sweetness of cranberries. This Savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. As you let this succulent brisket simmer in your slow cooker, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a glaze that is simply irresistible.
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and an easy cooking process, this brisket will become a go-to dish for any meat lover. The combination of savory spices and sweet cranberry sauce makes it an unforgettable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, this Savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can set it in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you go about your day. This hands-off approach allows the flavors to develop beautifully without requiring constant attention.
Key Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to form a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Brisket: A well-marbled cut of beef that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds sweetness and tanginess to balance out the richness of the beef.
- Onion: Provides depth of flavor when caramelized during cooking.
- Garlic: Enhances overall taste with its aromatic qualities.
- Beef Broth: Keeps the brisket moist and adds more beefy flavor to the dish.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Contributes acidity and complexity to the glaze.
- Spices (salt, pepper, rosemary): Essential for seasoning and elevating all flavors in the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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The first step is to prepare your brisket. Trim any excess fat from the meat to ensure it doesn’t become greasy during cooking.
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Next, season both sides of the brisket generously with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary. This will enhance the meat’s natural flavors as it cooks.
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In a skillet over medium heat, sear the brisket on both sides until browned. This step adds extra depth to your final dish through caramelization.
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Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seared brisket on top of this aromatic bed.
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Pour in beef broth followed by cranberry sauce and balsamic vinegar over the brisket. Ensure it’s well-coated for maximum flavor infusion.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until you can easily shred or slice through the meat with a fork. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes!
Expert Tips
If you want to elevate your Savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket, consider marinating the meat overnight in cranberry sauce before cooking. This allows flavors to penetrate deeper into the brisket for even more taste.
Tenderness is key; ensure you don’t rush cooking time as low heat produces optimum results. Check occasionally but avoid lifting lids too often—this releases heat!
Add variety; feel free to customize spice levels by adding chili flakes or using different herbs based on preference. Experimenting can yield exciting new flavors!
Presentation Ideas
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef instead of brisket?
You can certainly experiment with other cuts such as chuck roast or round roast; however, keep in mind that they may require different cooking times due to varying fat content and texture. Always adjust accordingly based on size and thickness!
How do I store leftovers?
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This sounds delicious! What should I serve with it?
I don’t have a slow cooker; can I make this in an oven?
Savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Savory Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket, a dish that effortlessly combines the succulent taste of brisket with the tart sweetness of cranberries. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this hands-off recipe allows you to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The glossy glaze and tender meat make for an impressive centerpiece, ensuring your family and friends will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs brisket
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the brisket and season both sides with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sear the brisket until browned on both sides.
- Layer the sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker; place the seared brisket on top.
- Pour beef broth over the brisket followed by cranberry sauce and balsamic vinegar.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until fork-tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz (170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg