Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy – The Ultimate Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, there’s nothing quite as impressive and comforting as a perfectly cooked roast beef with red wine gravy. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this centerpiece dish brings family and friends together around the holiday table. The rich red wine gravy elevates the meal to something truly festive and indulgent, making it the perfect recipe for Christmas dinner, holiday gatherings, or even New Year’s Eve celebrations.

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate show-stopping main course, this Christmas roast beef recipe is everything you need. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make once you know the step-by-step process. In this article, you’ll find a detailed ingredient list, required kitchen tools, foolproof cooking instructions, tips for success, nutritional values, and pairing suggestions (including the classic Green Bean Casserole). By the end, you’ll have all the tools to prepare a roast beef that your guests will remember for years to come.

Ingredients for Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

To prepare this delicious Christmas roast beef, gather the following ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 4–5 lb (1.8–2.2 kg) beef roast (prime rib, ribeye roast, or top sirloin recommended)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 2 tsp coarse sea salt

• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Red Wine Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

• 1 ½ cups dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works beautifully)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

• Red currants or cranberries (for festive presentation)

Kitchen Tools Needed

To ensure your Christmas roast beef with red wine gravy comes out perfect, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large roasting pan with rack

• Meat thermometer (essential for perfect doneness)

• Sharp carving knife

• Cutting board

• Saucepan (for gravy)

• Wooden spoon or whisk

• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Preparing the Beef

1. Remove the beef roast from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking. This ensures even roasting.

2. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This helps create a crisp, golden crust.

3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Rub the mixture generously over the beef, pressing it into the meat.

2: Roasting the Beef

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Place the beef roast on a rack inside a roasting pan. Roast at high heat for 15 minutes to sear the outside.

3. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness:

   • Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)

   • Medium rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)

   • Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)

   • Medium well: 150–155°F (65–68°C)

4. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. For Christmas gatherings, medium rare is often preferred.

3: Resting the Beef

Once cooked, transfer the beef to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender slices.

4: Making the Red Wine Gravy

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

2. Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

3. Slowly whisk in beef broth and red wine.

4. Add bay leaf and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until reduced and thickened (about 10–15 minutes).

5. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.

5: Serving

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and arrange on a platter. Pour red wine gravy over the top or serve on the side. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive Christmas touch.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Roast Beef

1. Choose the right cut – Prime rib or ribeye roast delivers the juiciest results.

2. Don’t skip resting time – This step locks in flavor and prevents dryness.

3. Use quality wine – Always cook with a wine you’d enjoy drinking; it makes a noticeable difference.

4. Make ahead – You can prepare the gravy base the day before Christmas to save time.

5. Pair smartly – Side dishes like Green Bean Casserole, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and Yorkshire puddings make this a complete Christmas feast.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving, approx. 6 oz beef with gravy)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 36 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 8 g

• Fiber: 0.5 g

• Sugars: 2 g

• Iron: 25% DV

Values may vary depending on cut of beef and exact portion size.

Why This Roast Beef is Perfect for Christmas

• Festive & Impressive: A centerpiece dish that looks and tastes luxurious.

• Rich in Flavor: Garlic, herbs, and red wine elevate every bite.

• Family-Friendly: Serves a crowd, making it ideal for Christmas gatherings.

• Pairs Beautifully: Complements holiday side dishes like Green Bean Casserole, roasted potatoes, and glazed carrots.

• Make-Ahead Options: Save time by prepping gravy early or marinating beef overnight.

Side Dish Pairings for Christmas

A Christmas roast beef dinner isn’t complete without classic sides:

• Green Bean Casserole – Creamy, crunchy, and festive.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The perfect vehicle for red wine gravy.

• Honey-Glazed Carrots – Sweet, colorful, and kid-friendly.

• Yorkshire Puddings – A British tradition that pairs beautifully with roast beef.

• Cranberry Sauce – Adds a tangy-sweet holiday touch.

Conclusion

This Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy is more than just a recipe — it’s a holiday tradition in the making. With its tender beef, rich and velvety gravy, and festive presentation, it’s the ultimate Christmas dinner centerpiece. Paired with sides like Green Bean Casserole, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables, it transforms your table into a feast worthy of the season.