Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast is the perfect comfort meal with a festive twist. Tender chuck roast slow-cooked with savory seasonings and tangy cranberry sauce creates a deliciously rich and flavorful dish. It’s easy to prepare and makes your kitchen smell incredible all day long.

Ingredients

• 3.5 lb boneless chuck roast
• 1 oz envelope brown gravy mix
• 1 oz envelope dry onion soup mix
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 ribs celery, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 4 tablespoons butter, sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast for 4–6 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer the roast to your crockpot.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the brown gravy mix, dry onion soup mix, diced onion, sliced celery, minced garlic, and dried thyme evenly over the roast.
3. Step 3: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce on top of the roast and tuck the slices of butter over everything.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender.
5. Step 5: Serve the roast with a generous spoonful of the cranberry gravy from the crockpot. For extra color and flavor, garnish with fresh cranberries and herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, brown the gravy and onion soup mixes in the skillet with the roast juices before adding to the crockpot.
• Use fresh cranberries and orange zest for a brighter, more vibrant cranberry sauce.
• Try adding chopped carrots or potatoes into the crockpot for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove some cooking liquid near the end and simmer it on the stove until reduced.

Storage

Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture. You can also freeze cooked pot roast for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, similar cuts like brisket or round roast work well for slow cooking, but chuck roast gives the best tenderness and flavor.

Is it necessary to sear the meat first?

Searing adds flavor and color but isn’t mandatory. It’s recommended for the best taste and texture.

Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

This Crockpot Cranberry Pot Roast is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for slow-cooked dinners. A juicy boneless chuck roast is seared to lock in flavor, then slow-cooked with a savory blend of brown gravy mix, onion soup, fresh vegetables, and a tangy whole berry cranberry sauce. The slices of butter add richness, creating a tender and aromatic roast with a unique cranberry gravy that’s perfect for serving alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 3.5 lb boneless chuck roast

Seasonings and Mixes

• 1 oz envelope brown gravy mix
• 1 oz envelope dry onion soup mix
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 ribs celery, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Other

• 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
• 1–2 tablespoons oil (for searing)

Instructions

1. Sear the Roast: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast for about 4–6 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned. This step locks in the flavors and enhances the taste of the roast. Once seared, transfer the roast to your crockpot.
2. Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Sprinkle the brown gravy mix, dry onion soup mix, diced onion, sliced celery, minced garlic, and dried thyme evenly over the roast in the crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the slow cooking process.
3. Top with Cranberry Sauce and Butter: Spoon the whole berry cranberry sauce right on top of the roast and tuck the slices of butter over everything to add richness and depth to the dish as it cooks.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8–10 hours. The low and slow cooking will make the meat fall-apart tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
5. Serve: Once done, serve the roast with a generous spoonful of the cranberry-infused gravy from the crockpot. For a fancy touch, garnish with fresh cranberries and herbs if desired.

Notes

• Searing the meat is optional but highly recommended for better flavor.
• You can adjust the cooking time depending on your crockpot’s heat level and the size of the roast.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious cranberry gravy.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: Crockpot pot roast, cranberry pot roast, slow cooker roast, holiday roast recipe, easy crockpot dinner, savory cranberry roast