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Christmas Roast – Tender, Juicy & Packed With Warm Holiday Flavors

This Christmas Roast is everything a holiday centerpiece should be: tender, deeply flavorful, beautifully browned, and infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and festive winter ingredients. Whether you use beef roast, pork roast, or lamb, this recipe transforms a simple cut of meat into a show-stopping Christmas dinner worthy of the season. The meat is slow-roasted until melt-in-your-mouth tender, basted in a rich herb butter, and paired with cozy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. A glossy pan gravy pulls everything together for a warm, comforting, unforgettable holiday feast.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the Roast
  • You may use beef chuck roast, top round, prime rib, pork shoulder, or lamb leg
  • 3 –4 lb roast your choice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp softened butter
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves smashed
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 2 carrots cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
For the Pan Sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ cup red wine optional; can sub broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch for thickening
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Equipment

  • Roasting pan or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil
  • Baking sheet (optional for veggies)

Method
 

Step 1: Season the Roast
  1. Pat roast dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix together:
  3. butter
  4. salt
  5. pepper
  6. paprika
  7. garlic powder
  8. onion powder
  9. rosemary
  10. thyme
  11. Rub all over the roast, pressing herbs into the meat.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
  2. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned (1–2 minutes per side).
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
  1. Place onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a roasting pan or Dutch oven.
  2. Set the seared roast on top.
  3. Pour in:
  4. beef broth
  5. red wine (optional)
  6. Add Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4: Roast
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Roast for:
  3. Beef Chuck Roast: 3–4 hours (fall-apart tender)
  4. Prime Rib: 1.5–2 hours (medium-rare, 130°F)
  5. Pork Shoulder: 3–4 hours
  6. Lamb Leg: 2–2.5 hours
  7. Baste with pan juices halfway through.
  8. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 5: Rest & Make Gravy
  1. Remove roast and rest 15 minutes.
  2. Pour pan drippings into a skillet.
  3. Whisk in:
  4. Dijon mustard
  5. 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch slurry
  6. Simmer until glossy and thick.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Slice or shred roast depending on cut.
  2. Serve with roasted vegetables and warm gravy.
  3. Garnish with:
  4. rosemary sprigs
  5. pomegranate seeds
  6. orange zest
  7. for a festive touch.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: 2–3 months
Reheat at 300°F covered with broth or gravy.
🥄 Variations
Christmas Herb-Crusted Beef Roast
Add extra rosemary + thyme + Dijon crust.
Cranberry Balsamic Roast
Add ½ cup cranberry sauce + 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
Garlic Butter Prime Rib
Swap olive oil for garlic herb butter.
Pork Roast with Apple & Sage
Add sliced apples + sage leaves to pan.
Lamb with Mint & Orange
Add orange zest + mint to the rub.
Italian Christmas Roast
Add oregano + basil + crushed tomatoes.
Spicy Holiday Roast
Add chili flakes + smoked paprika.
Red Wine & Mushroom Roast
Add sliced mushrooms to roasting pan.
Honey-Glazed Roast
Brush with honey during last 20 minutes.
Low-Carb Version
Skip carrots and use cauliflower + zucchini.
❓ 10 FAQs
Which cut of meat is best?
Chuck roast, prime rib, pork shoulder, or lamb leg.
Do I need to marinate?
Not required—herb butter provides huge flavor.
Why sear first?
Searing builds deep flavor and color.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes — 8 hours on low for tender roasts.
Do I need a thermometer?
Highly recommended for beef doneness accuracy.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes — use 1 tsp dried per 1 tbsp fresh.
Can I make gravy without wine?
Absolutely — just use broth.
Why is my roast tough?
It needed more cooking time (especially chuck/pork).
Can I add potatoes?
Yes — add during last 1–1.5 hours.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes — season the roast up to 24 hours early.
🏁 Conclusion
This Christmas Roast is tender, flavorful, and beautifully aromatic — a perfect holiday centerpiece that fills your home with warmth and festive cheer. Whether you choose beef, pork, or lamb, this recipe guarantees juicy meat, gorgeous presentation, and a memorable Christmas feast your guests will rave about.