It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! A time for festive gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, and delicious food. What better way to celebrate than with a mouthwatering beef dish that will impress your family and friends? In this article, we’ll count down our top 20 festive Christmas beef recipes that are sure to become new holiday traditions. From classic roast beef to slow-cooked stews and braises, we’ve got something for every taste and occasion.
From garlic butter herb roast beef to beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles, these recipes will keep your guests satisfied and leave them wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course or a show-stopping centerpiece, our collection of Christmas beef recipes is the perfect place to start planning your holiday menu.
Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef
Elevate your roast beef game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter and the freshness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs prime rib or top round roast
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary leaves, and thyme leaves.
3. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
4. Rub the garlic butter mixture all over the roast, making sure to cover it evenly.
5. Place the roast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Slow Cooker Christmas Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Christmas Beef Stew Recipe
Get ready to savor a hearty and comforting slow-cooked beef stew, perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds beef chuck or round, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, garlic, mixed vegetables, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About an hour before serving, stir in the browned butter (optional).
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles
Elevate your dinner party game with this show-stopping Beef Wellington, featuring a tender filet of beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry and filled with rich mushroom duxelles.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) filet mignon
– 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles (see below for recipe)
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mushroom Duxelles Recipe:
– 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season beef filet with salt and pepper.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a large rectangle.
4. Place beef in center of pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
5. Spoon mushroom duxelles over beef, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Brush pastry edges with beaten egg.
7. Roll pastry over beef, starting with one long side.
8. Place Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Elevate your dining experience with this succulent peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. This recipe yields a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef tenderloin
– 1/4 cup black peppercorns, toasted and finely ground
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together toasted black peppercorns, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Season the beef tenderloin with salt.
4. Coat the beef tenderloin evenly with the peppercorn mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the beef tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
6. Let the beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Short ribs get a luxurious makeover with this simple and satisfying recipe. A combination of tender meat, rich red wine, and aromatic spices yields a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 short ribs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove short ribs from pot and set aside.
5. Add onion and garlic to pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add red wine and beef broth to pot, scraping up any browned bits.
7. Return short ribs to pot and cover with lid.
8. Transfer pot to preheated oven and braise for 2-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Christmas Beef and Ale Pie
This hearty pie is a perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering. Tender beef, rich ale, and flaky pastry come together in a comforting dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ale (brown or pale)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the beef in a large skillet, then set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, ale, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the skillet. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
4. Roll out the pie crust and fill with the beef mixture.
5. Top with another pie crust or a pastry lid. Crimp edges to seal.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Honey Glazed Beef Rib Roast
Elevate your beef game with this sweet and savory honey glazed rib roast recipe, perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2.5-3 pound beef rib roast
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and salt.
3. Rub the glaze all over the rib roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
6. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Bourguignon for the Holidays
Experience the rich flavors of France with this iconic beef stew recipe, perfect for the holiday season. This hearty dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new family tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or shank, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then remove from pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, mushrooms, and cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Return browned beef to pot, cover, and simmer for 2-1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Spiced Beef Brisket with Cranberry Sauce
This classic comfort food dish combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef brisket with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef brisket until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 2-1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Meanwhile, combine cranberries, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Rosemary Garlic Prime Rib
Elevate your holiday gathering with this savory Rosemary Garlic Prime Rib recipe. A tender and flavorful cut of beef, infused with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and garlic, is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-7 pound) prime rib roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Rub the mixture all over the prime rib roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the roast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours for a 6-7 pound roast.
Beef and Stilton Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
These bite-sized treats combine the savory flavors of beef, stilton cheese, and puff pastry for a perfect party appetizer or snack. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying these delicious morsels in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 pound cooked beef (such as roast beef or ground beef), finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1/4 cup crumbled stilton cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Mix chopped beef, softened butter, and crumbled stilton cheese in a bowl. Spoon small amounts of the mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around each bite.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square shape. Press edges together to seal.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Christmas Beef Stir-Fry with Snow Peas
Add a festive touch to your holiday meal with this quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe. Served over rice or noodles, it’s a delicious and savory addition to any Christmas celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups snow peas, trimmed
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the snow peas and cook until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
A classic comfort dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this beef pot roast is slow-cooked to tender perfection with a medley of root vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
– 1 large red potato, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 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 the beef with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, and bay leaves (if using). Bring to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Roast for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Festive Beef and Mushroom Phyllo Parcels
Festive Beef and Mushroom Phyllo Parcels: A Delicious Holiday Appetizer or Main Course
These flaky, savory pastries are filled with tender beef, sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic spices, making them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, and shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing phyllo)
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
4. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Add cooked beef back into the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Unroll phyllo dough and cut into squares (about 3-1/2 inches per side).
6. Place a tablespoon of the beef-mushroom mixture onto each square, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Brush edges with beaten egg. Fold corners over filling to form triangles; press gently to seal.
8. Arrange phyllo parcels on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Smoked Beef Ribs with Bourbon Glaze
Smokey, sweet, and tangy, these beef ribs are perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy night in. This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked meat with the depth of bourbon and a hint of brown sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks beef ribs
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Season ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Smoke ribs for 4 hours, or until tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
5. Brush glaze on ribs during last 30 minutes of smoking.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4 hours (smoking), 30 minutes (glazing)
Beef and Chestnut Stuffing Rolls
A savory twist on traditional stuffing, these rolls combine tender beef, sweet chestnuts, and fragrant herbs to create a delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped chestnuts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place the rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and the chestnuts are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Christmas Beef Roulade with Spinach and Cheese
A classic holiday dish gets a delicious boost with the addition of creamy spinach and melted cheese, making it perfect for your Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef tenderloin
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix together spinach, Parmesan cheese, and feta cheese.
4. Lay the beef tenderloin flat on a work surface. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the beef, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll the beef tightly into a log shape, securing with kitchen twine if needed.
6. Place the roulade seam-side down in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Beef Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Savor the flavors of Southeast Asia with these tender beef satay skewers smothered in a creamy peanut sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Peanut sauce (see below)
Peanut Sauce:
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add beef strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread marinated beef onto bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Serve with peanut sauce (whisk together ingredients in a bowl) and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Guinness Hand Pies
Elevate your snack game with these savory Beef and Guinness Hand Pies, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick grab-and-go. Rich beef filling, infused with the deep flavor of Guinness stout, is wrapped in flaky pastry for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup Guinness stout
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. Add Guinness, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes or until liquid is almost gone.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Spoon beef mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
6. Fold other half over filling and press edges to seal.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for golden glaze.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Beef Meatballs in Cranberry Glaze
Elevate your meatball game with this flavorful combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a tangy cranberry glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cranberry glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze by combining 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp orange juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your loved ones with these 20 festive Christmas beef recipes! From classic roasts and stews to innovative twists on traditional dishes, there’s something for every palate. Try Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef, Slow Cooker Christmas Beef Stew, or Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles for a show-stopping main course. Or, if you’re looking for something different, try one of the many unique recipes like Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin or Smoked Beef Ribs with Bourbon Glaze. Whatever your taste, there’s a delicious Christmas beef recipe to make your holiday season merry and bright!
