Introduction

A Christmas beef roast brings comfort, flavor, and tradition to the holiday table. Whether you like bold spices, slow-roasted tenderness, or classic savory flavors, this list has something delicious for every festive gathering. Explore these hearty, crowd-pleasing beef roast recipes perfect for Christmas dinner.

1. Classic Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

This timeless roast is juicy, savory, and perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

1 (5 lb) prime rib roast
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Rub the roast with olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 325°F (165°C).
Cook for 1.5–2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches your preference.
Rest 20 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve It

Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve with horseradish cream.

2. Red Wine Braised Beef Roast

Slow braising makes this roast extra tender and rich.

Ingredients

3 lb beef chuck roast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 cups red wine
2 cups beef broth
3 carrots, chopped
2 onions, sliced
4 garlic cloves, smashed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Sear roast in oil until browned.
Add vegetables, wine, and broth.
Cover and braise for 3 hours.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve It

Serve over mashed potatoes with extra braising sauce.

3. Garlic Butter Christmas Roast

This buttery, aromatic roast fills the house with holiday warmth.

Ingredients

4 lb beef roast
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Spread over roast and place in pan.
Cook 1.5–2 hours.
Rest 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve It

Top with a drizzle of pan juices.

4. Cranberry-Glazed Beef Roast

A sweet-tart glaze brings a festive twist.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1 cup cranberry sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix glaze ingredients and brush over roast.
Roast for 1.5–2 hours, glazing halfway through.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with extra warm cranberry sauce.

5. Rosemary Balsamic Roast

This roast is savory with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

3 lb sirloin roast
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Whisk balsamic, oil, rosemary, garlic, and salt.
Coat roast and bake 2 hours.
Rest 10 minutes.

How to Serve It

Drizzle with reduced balsamic sauce.

6. Slow Cooker Christmas Pot Roast

Perfect for a hands-off holiday dinner.

Ingredients

3 lb chuck roast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup beef broth
4 carrots, chopped
3 potatoes, halved
1 onion, sliced

Instructions

Place all ingredients in slow cooker.
Cook on low 8 hours.
Shred and serve.

How to Serve It

Serve with gravy from the slow cooker.

7. Mustard & Herb Crusted Roast

This roast has a flavorful, tangy herb crust.

Ingredients

4 lb beef roast
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp thyme, chopped
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix mustard with herbs and salt.
Spread on roast.
Bake 2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Pair with roasted vegetables.

8. Honey Garlic Beef Roast

This roast is sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1/4 cup honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix glaze and brush over roast.
Roast 1.5–2 hours.
Rest and slice.

How to Serve It

Serve with mashed sweet potatoes.

9. Smoked Holiday Beef Roast

A smoked roast adds incredible winter flavor.

Ingredients

4 lb beef roast
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp pepper
1 tbsp paprika
Wood chips for smoking

Instructions

Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Season roast thoroughly.
Smoke for 6–7 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with chimichurri.

10. Coffee-Rubbed Beef Roast

Coffee enhances the savory flavor beautifully.

Ingredients

3 lb roast
2 tbsp ground coffee
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Mix rub and coat roast.
Cook 2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Pair with roasted root vegetables.

11. Peppercorn-Crusted Roast Beef

A bold peppery crust makes this roast perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
2 tbsp cracked black peppercorns
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp garlic, minced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rub roast with oil, garlic, salt, and peppercorns.
Roast for 1.5–2 hours.
Rest 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with a creamy peppercorn sauce.

12. Maple Dijon Holiday Roast

Sweet maple and tangy mustard make a delightful seasonal combo.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Whisk glaze ingredients together.
Brush over roast and bake 1.5–2 hours.
Glaze again halfway through.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted apples or pears.

13. Herb & Garlic Stuffed Beef Roast

Stuffing the roast adds flavor in every slice.

Ingredients

4 lb flank or sirloin roast
3 tbsp parsley, chopped
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butterfly roast and spread herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper inside.
Roll and tie tightly.
Rub with oil and roast 1.5–2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Add a drizzle of herb-infused pan juices.

14. Brown Sugar & Spice Beef Roast

A sweet spiced crust brings cozy Christmas flavor.

Ingredients

3 lb roast
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix sugar and spices.
Coat roast evenly.
Cook 1.5–2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted squash.

15. Horseradish-Crusted Christmas Roast

The sharp horseradish crust brings a festive kick.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1/4 cup prepared horseradish
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix horseradish and mayo.
Spread over roast.
Cook 1.5–2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Pair with roasted potatoes.

16. Mushroom & Onion Beef Roast

A rich, savory topping makes this roast extra comforting.

Ingredients

4 lb beef roast
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season roast and bake 2 hours.
Sauté mushrooms and onions in butter.
Spoon over roast before serving.

How to Serve It

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes.

17. Italian Herb Holiday Roast

Italian herbs give the roast warm Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients

3 lb roast
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix oil with herbs and seasonings.
Rub on roast and cook 1.5–2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes.

18. Chili Rubbed Beef Roast

A mild heat adds great depth without overpowering.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix spices and rub over roast.
Cook 1.5–2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with grilled peppers.

19. Cabernet Roast Beef

A red wine reduction makes this roast rich and festive.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
2 cups Cabernet
1 cup beef broth
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Add wine, broth, onion, and garlic to pan.
Place roast inside and cover.
Cook 2.5 hours.
Reduce sauce on stovetop.

How to Serve It

Spoon reduction over each slice.

20. Thyme & Lemon Beef Roast

A refreshing citrus-herb combo perfect for winter.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp zest
1 tbsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix lemon and herbs.
Coat roast and bake 1.5–2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted green beans.

21. Brown Butter Beef Roast

Brown butter adds deep nutty flavor.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp garlic

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season roast and cook 1.5–2 hours.
Brown butter on stovetop with garlic.
Pour over roast before serving.

How to Serve It

Serve with toasted bread slices.

22. Ginger Soy Holiday Roast

A flavorful twist for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp garlic

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix marinade ingredients.
Pour over roast and bake 2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

23. Pomegranate Glazed Beef Roast

A bright, fruity glaze adds color and flavor.

Ingredients

3 lb roast
1 cup pomegranate juice
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Reduce pomegranate juice with honey until thick.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush glaze over roast and cook 1.5–2 hours.
Rest and glaze again before slicing.

How to Serve It

Top with fresh pomegranate seeds.

24. Bourbon Brown Sugar Roast

A warm, rich, caramel-like glaze perfect for Christmas night.

Ingredients

3 lb beef roast
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Simmer bourbon and sugar to make glaze.
Brush over roast and cook 1.5–2 hours.
Rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted carrots.

Conclusion

These hearty Christmas beef roasts bring warmth, flavor, and comfort to the holiday table. Save a few, try your favorites, and share them with loved ones. Each roast is festive, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating the season.

Emily Carter