Roast Beef with Red Wine Gravy: The Ultimate Christmas Feast! 🎄
The ultimate Christmas roast, perfect for a healthy and easy holiday dinner or festive feast!
Equipment
- Roasting Pan
- Meat Thermometer
- Cutting Board
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Roast Beef Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds beef roast (prime rib, ribeye, or top sirloin for a leaner option)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Red Wine Gravy Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1.5 cups dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)
For Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Red currants or cranberries (for a festive garnish)
Instructions
- Get Ready to Roast: Take your beef out of the fridge about an hour before cooking so it comes to room temperature for even roasting. Pat it really dry with paper towels – this helps achieve that lovely crispy crust! In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this delicious herb blend all over your beef, making sure it's nicely coated.
- Sear & Slow Roast: Preheat your oven to a hot 450°F (230°C). Place your seasoned beef roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Pop it into the oven for 15 minutes to get a beautiful sear on the outside, locking in those juices. Then, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads your desired doneness (e.g., 130-135°F for medium-rare, which is often preferred for a juicy roast). Using a thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, safe beef every time!
- Rest for Perfection: Once your roast reaches the target temperature, transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This essential step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing tender, flavorful slices.
- Whip Up the Healthy Gravy: While the beef rests, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they're soft and fragrant – about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the flour to create a simple roux, cooking for another minute or two. Gradually whisk in the low-sodium beef broth and red wine, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a rich, velvety gravy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking, then remove the bay leaf before serving. Using low-sodium broth helps keep this gravy a healthier choice.
- Serve with Style: Slice the rested beef thinly against the grain – this makes it extra tender! Arrange it beautifully on a platter. You can pour some of the luscious red wine gravy over the top, or serve it on the side for guests to enjoy. For a final festive touch, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a sprinkle of cranberries or red currants. Enjoy your impressive yet easy Christmas feast!
Notes
The ultimate Christmas roast, perfect for a healthy and easy holiday dinner or festive feast! The recipe yields 10-12 servings. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, safe beef every time. Using low-sodium broth helps keep this gravy a healthier choice.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480
- Total Carbs: 8 g
- Net Carbs: 7.5 g
- Fats: 28 g
- Protein: 36 g
