It’s the most wonderful time of the year – holiday season! And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and tender Christmas beef dish? Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to treat your loved ones to a special meal, these 20 festive Christmas beef recipes are sure to impress. From classic prime rib roast to creative beef Wellington, we’ve got you covered with a variety of mouth-watering options that are sure to become new holiday traditions.
From hearty slow-cooked stews to elegant glazed roasts, our collection features a range of flavors and textures to suit any taste. And don’t worry – no matter your skill level in the kitchen, these recipes are designed to be easy to follow and execute, so you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests.
So go ahead, get cooking, and make this holiday season one to remember with these 20 festive Christmas beef recipes!
Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this show-stopping prime rib roast, infused with the savory flavors of fresh herbs and garlic. Perfect for special occasions or everyday celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-5 pound) prime rib roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the prime rib roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the roast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Let the roast rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours (depending on size and doneness).
Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this effortless recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter and the tenderness of beef tenderloin.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef tenderloin
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter until well combined.
3. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Reduce heat to low and spread garlic butter evenly over the beef tenderloin.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef reaches desired doneness.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
This classic comfort food dish yields tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs smothered in a rich, fruity red wine sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 pounds beef short ribs
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir to combine.
6. Return short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Christmas Beef Wellington
Impress your guests with this classic Christmas recipe that combines tender beef, savory mushrooms, and flaky puff pastry. This show-stopping main course is sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef filet mignon
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup cognac (optional)
– 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. In a pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic until tender. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Wrap the beef in plastic wrap, leaving room at one end. Spread mushroom mixture over the beef.
5. Roll out puff pastry to fit the beef. Place on top of the beef, sealing edges with a fork.
6. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) and make small slits on top for steam release.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon
This classic French dish is a hearty stew that combines tender beef, rich flavors, and comforting aromas to create a truly satisfying meal. With its long slow-cooking time, this recipe allows the ingredients to meld together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Burgundy or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes, then set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened. Add the wine, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 2-1/2 hours or overnight (8-10 hours).
4. Add the mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours or overnight (8-10 hours)
Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Roast
Elevate your Sunday roast game with this flavorful and tender peppercorn-crusted beef roast recipe. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef roast (such as prime rib or round), at room temperature
– 2 tbsp black peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 tbsp coriander seeds, toasted and ground
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together peppercorns, coriander seeds, and salt.
3. Rub the mixture all over the beef roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 40-60 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Beef Ribeye
Elevate your beef game with this flavorful recipe that combines the savory taste of rosemary and garlic with tender, juicy ribeye.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef ribeye roast
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and rosemary.
3. Rub the garlic-rosemary mixture all over the beef ribeye, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef ribeye for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Beef Brisket
Rich flavors of sweet balsamic glaze elevate the tender and juicy beef brisket to a new level. This classic comfort food dish is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) beef brisket
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season the beef brisket with salt and pepper.
4. Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven or baking dish. Pour the glaze over the top of the brisket, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the beef reaches your desired level of tenderness.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Beef and Mushroom Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines tender beef, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic spices with bell peppers for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture and top with cooked rice.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Beef Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty and aromatic Spiced Beef Pot Roast, slow-cooked to tender perfection with a medley of root vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef pot roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the beef pot roast on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove the beef and add the chopped onion, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, carrots, parsnips, red bell pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Return the beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth, and cover with a lid.
7. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Beef and Cranberry Meatballs
Elevate your appetizer game with these tender beef meatballs infused with sweet and tangy cranberry flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, and cranberries.
3. Beat in the egg until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form into meatballs (about 20-25).
6. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Christmas Beef Stew with Red Wine
This rich and flavorful stew is perfect for a cold winter’s night, packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and the deep flavors of red wine. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add red wine, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Beef and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this savory take on stuffed mushrooms. Crispy mushroom caps filled with a rich beef and blue cheese mixture will be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the beef mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
5. Top each mushroom with blue cheese crumbles and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream
This recipe elevates the traditional beef tenderloin to new heights by pairing it with a tangy and creamy horseradish sauce. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) beef tenderloin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the beef reaches desired doneness (130°F – 135°F).
5. While the beef cooks, combine heavy cream and horseradish in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve with the horseradish cream spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: approximately 25-30 minutes.
Beef and Caramelized Onion Tart
Beef and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe
This savory tart combines tender beef with sweet and caramelized onions, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect as an appetizer or main course for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook beef strips in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Arrange beef strips and caramelized onions on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Fold other half of pastry over filling and press edges to seal.
7. Brush pastry with beaten egg and cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef Rouladen with Mustard and Pickles
This classic German dish is a show-stopper on any dinner table. Thinly sliced beef, mustard, pickles, and spices come together to create a flavorful and tender roll-up that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or rump steak
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, pickles, and caraway seeds.
3. Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Spread one side of each beef strip with the mustard mixture, leaving a 1-inch border at one end.
5. Roll up the beef, starting from the mustard end. Repeat with remaining beef strips.
6. Place the rolled beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef and Chestnut Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this savory and aromatic stuffing recipe that combines tender beef and sweet chestnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked beef (roast or ground), cooled
– 1 cup chestnuts, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups stale white bread, cut into cubes
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until softened.
3. Add the cooked beef, chestnuts, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the bread cubes and chicken broth. Mix well.
5. Spoon the stuffing into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef and Guinness Pie
This rich and flavorful pie combines tender beef, sautéed onions, and the deep flavor of Guinness stout, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic, Guinness, broth, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Fill the pastry with the beef mixture and fold edges to form a crust.
6. Brush top with beaten egg and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Savory beef skewers served with a creamy peanut sauce make for a flavorful and exotic appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 20 bamboo skewers
– Peanut Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the beef strips to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated beef onto bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
5. Serve with Peanut Sauce (recipe below).
Peanut Sauce:
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Serve with grilled beef skewers.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including marinating time)
Beef and Red Pepper Jelly Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of tender beef, tangy red pepper jelly, and crispy crostini. Perfect for a quick gathering or party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef tenderloin, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup red pepper jelly
– 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together beef strips, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Meanwhile, bake baguette slices for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Grill or pan-fry beef strips until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Spread a small amount of red pepper jelly on each crostini. Top with a beef strip and garnish with thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 20 festive Christmas beef recipes! From tender prime rib roast to slow-cooked beef bourguignon, and from elegant beef Wellington to hearty beef stew, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a comforting, cozy meal, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to delight your family and friends.
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