Make your holiday meal unforgettable with this Christmas Roast! This savory beef roast is cooked to perfection, juicy on the inside, and flavorful on the outside—perfect for a festive, hearty, and elegant dinner that everyone will love.
While Christmas dinner often features turkey or ham, this roast beef is a showstopper that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. A simple herb and garlic rub enhances the natural flavors of the meat, and the glaze keeps the roast moist and delicious. Try pairing it with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, or your favorite holiday sides for a complete feast.
Why We Love This Recipe
This roast is not only flavorful but also versatile and budget-friendly. You can use a bone-in or boneless ribeye, chuck roast, or even pork tenderloin for a slightly different twist. Fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest create a fragrant, delicious crust that pairs perfectly with a rich gravy.
Ingredients
- 4–5 pound beef ribeye roast, bone-in or boneless
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
How to Make Christmas Roast
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 450°F. Place the beef roast on a rack in a large roasting pan.
- Prepare Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest.
- Season the Roast: Rub the remaining olive oil over the roast, then spread the herb mixture generously over the meat, pressing it in to form a crust.
- Sear the Roast: Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes to create a golden crust. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue roasting for 1–1¼ hours, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium.
- Rest the Roast: Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the roast and serve with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips
- Sear for Extra Flavor: For a richer crust, sear the roast in a hot skillet before roasting.
- Let it Rest: Resting is essential for a juicy, tender roast. Don’t skip this step.
- Side Suggestions: Perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, or a festive charcuterie board.
Why This Roast is Perfect for the Holidays
Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this Christmas Roast is an elegant centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal yet special enough for a festive celebration.