Description
Looking for an impressive and flavorful main dish that captures the magic of the holidays? This Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast is a rich, festive centerpiece that’s easier to prepare than it looks. Juicy, marbled ribeye is roasted to perfection and glazed with a sweet-tart cranberry balsamic sauce that caramelizes into a sticky, savory finish. It’s perfect for special gatherings, elegant dinners, or when you simply want a showstopping yet easy recipe. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, easy holiday food ideas, or a winter dinner recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — this is it.
Ingredients
1 (5 to 6 lb) ribeye roast, bone-in or boneless
2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup beef broth or red wine (optional)
Instructions
1. Remove the ribeye roast from the fridge 1 hour before cooking and pat it dry. Rub it all over with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make small slits and insert garlic slivers into the roast.
2. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and rosemary. Simmer over medium heat until thick and syrupy, about 10–15 minutes. Add broth or wine if desired.
3. Optional: Sear the roast on all sides in a hot skillet until browned, 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Place roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with glaze. Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 325°F and continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes.
5. Cook until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare. Remove from oven and tent with foil. Rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Spoon over remaining glaze to serve.
Notes
Letting the meat come to room temperature before roasting helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
Don’t skip the resting time after roasting – it’s crucial for retaining the meat’s juices.
The cranberry glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: ribeye roast, holiday dinner, balsamic glaze, cranberry glaze, beef roast recipe