Description
Looking for a comforting yet impressive easy dinner idea? This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, this dish transforms a classic cut of beef into a rich, juicy centerpiece coated in a glossy cranberry glaze. Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or exploring new dinner ideas, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic minced
1 small onion finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. Pat the brisket dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the brisket for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned
3. Transfer the brisket to the slow cooker
4. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant
5. Add cranberries, brown sugar, honey, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cinnamon
6. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until cranberries begin to burst
7. Pour the glaze over the brisket in the slow cooker
8. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours
9. Optional: Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry and cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes
10. Let brisket rest for 10 to 15 minutes, slice against the grain, and serve with sauce
Notes
Searing the brisket enhances flavor significantly
Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste for perfect balance
Always slice against the grain for the most tender texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy dinner, slow cooker brisket, cranberry brisket, holiday dinner ideas, comfort food