Name: The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 (2.5 kg) beef roast (rib or sirloin); 2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 cups beef stock; 1 cup dry red wine; 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Hey y’all! If you’re dreaming of a Christmas dinner that’ll wow your loved ones and leave the house filled with mouthwatering aromas, The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy is your go-to showstopper. With juicy, tender beef and a luscious red wine gravy, it’s holiday magic on a platter—amazing not just for Christmas but any celebration where you want to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Impressive centerpiece for any holiday table with minimal fuss.
Melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the slow-roasted method.
Bold, savory flavors boosted by aromatic herbs and rich red wine gravy.
Perfect make-ahead potential and easy to reheat for leftovers.
Pairs beautifully with classic side dishes and bold red wines.

Ingredients for The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

1 (4-5 lb) beef rib roast or top sirloin roast
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoon dried)
2 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoon dried)
1 large onion, quartered
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
2 cups beef broth, divided
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions: Making The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Step 1: Prep the Roast

Take the beef roast out of the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to come to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
Mix olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme into a paste. Rub generously over the roast.

Step 2: Roast the Beef

Place onion, carrots, and celery in a large roasting pan. Set the beef on top, fat side up.
Roast at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce oven to 325°F (163°C).
Continue roasting for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (about 18-20 minutes per pound) until a thermometer reads 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
Remove the roast, transfer to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Red Wine Gravy

While the roast rests, place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stove. Scoop out and discard extra fat if there’s a lot.
Add red wine. Scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let simmer 5-6 minutes.
Whisk flour into ½ cup beef broth. Pour into pan, stirring continuously.
Add remaining broth. Bring to a simmer and cook 6-8 minutes until thickened.
Stir in butter for extra richness. Strain gravy if desired.

Step 4: Carve and Serve

Slice the beef against the grain. Serve hot with plenty of red wine gravy poured on top.

Notes: Tips for The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Let the roast rest before carving to retain juices and keep the meat tender.
For ideal doneness, use an instant-read thermometer (learn why here).
Prefer a gluten-free gravy? Swap flour for cornstarch and follow these tips.

Variations for Christmas Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Peppercorn-Crusted: Add 2 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns for a spicy crust.
Herb-Encrusted: Increase rosemary and thyme; add parsley and sage for deeper herbal flavor.
Balsamic-Glazed: Brush roast with a mix of balsamic vinegar and honey before roasting for a tangy-sweet glaze.

Required Equipment for The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Large roasting pan
Meat thermometer
Sharp carving knife
Cutting board
Medium saucepan (for gravy)

Storage Instructions for Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Store leftover roast beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
The red wine gravy keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring often.
For longer storage, freeze slices of roast in a zip-top bag (up to 2 months). Thaw overnight and gently reheat.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or Yorkshire pudding.
Pair with a big, bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, or try a dry Malbec.
Round out the holiday feast with cranberry sauce and a crisp green salad.

Pro Tips for Best Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy Results

Let the beef rest at least 20 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.
Don’t skip the pan deglaze—those browned bits are packed with flavor (see how to maximize pan flavor).
Use high-quality, dry red wine for a richer, more complex gravy (avoid anything labeled “cooking wine”).

FAQ: The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy

Can I make The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy ahead of time?: Absolutely! Roast the beef up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat slices in the gravy before serving.
What cut of beef works best?: Prime rib, beef rib roast, or top sirloin are all flavorful and tender options.
Can I make the dish without red wine?: You can substitute extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth if you prefer to skip the wine.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (plus resting)

The Perfect Christmas Dinner Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy