๐ Introduction
This Rosemary Garlic Christmas Roast Beef Dinner is a timeless, elegant, and flavorful holiday centerpiece. The aromatic blend of fresh rosemary, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper creates a beautifully seasoned crust, while the inside stays tender, juicy, and full of rich beef flavor.
This roast beef is incredibly simple to prepare, yet tastes like a gourmet Christmas feast. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, gravy, or any of your favorite holiday sides. Itโs the ideal choice for Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, or any festive winter gathering.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan or baking dish
- Meat thermometer
- Knife & cutting board
- Small bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
๐ Ingredients
Beef
- 3โ4 lb beef roast (top sirloin, rib roast, or rump roast)
Seasoning
- 4โ5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
Optional Add-Ons
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2โ3 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, cubed
(Roast alongside beef for a full meal.)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC).
Step 2: Pat the beef roast dry and place it into a roasting pan.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix rosemary, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
Step 4: Rub the garlic-rosemary paste all over the beef, coating it evenly.
Step 5: Add optional vegetables around the roast if desired.
Step 6: Roast at 450ยฐF for 15 minutes to create a seared crust.
Step 7: Reduce heat to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and continue roasting:
- Medium-rare: 1 hour (internal temp 135ยฐF)
- Medium: 1 hr 15 min (internal temp 145ยฐF)
- Well-done: 1 hr 30 min
Step 8: Remove roast from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 10โ15 minutes.
Step 9: Slice against the grain and serve warm.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6โ8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1โ1.5 hours
- Total Time: 80โ100 minutes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
3โ4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Up to 2 months (slice before freezing).
Reheating
- Oven: 300ยฐF for 10โ12 minutes
- Skillet: Low heat 2โ3 minutes
- Microwave: 45 seconds (donโt overheat)
๐ฅ Variations
โญ Rosemary Garlic Butter Roast
Add 2 tbsp softened butter to the garlic paste.
โญ Spicy Roast Beef
Add chili flakes or smoked paprika.
โญ Herb-Crusted Roast
Add thyme, oregano, and parsley.
โญ Honey Garlic Roast Beef
Add 1 tbsp honey to the paste for caramelization.
โญ Veggie Roast Version
Add potatoes, onions, and carrots around beef.
โญ Lemon Herb Roast
Add lemon zest for brightness.
โ 10 FAQs
1. What is the best cut for roast beef?
Rib roast, top sirloin, rump roast, or eye round.
2. Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes โ use 1 tsp dried rosemary.
3. Do I need to sear the meat first?
The high-heat start at 450ยฐF acts as a natural sear.
4. Do I need to cover the roast?
No โ leave uncovered for best crust.
5. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes โ 6โ8 hours on LOW.
6. Is it halal?
Yes โ use halal-certified beef.
7. Can I make gravy with the drippings?
Yes โ whisk 1 tbsp flour into the drippings.
8. Can I prep it ahead?
Season roast and refrigerate for 12โ24 hours.
9. Should I trim the fat?
Leave a thin layer for more flavor.
10. Why is resting important?
It helps juices redistribute for tenderness.
๐ Conclusion
This Rosemary Garlic Christmas Roast Beef is the perfect holiday centerpiece โ simple, aromatic, juicy, and full of classic Christmas flavor. With its savory garlic crust, fragrant rosemary, and beautifully tender meat, this recipe brings elegance and warmth to any holiday gathering.
Serve it with your favorite holiday sides for an unforgettable Christmas dinner your family will love.

Rosemary Garlic Christmas Roast Beef Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Medium-rare: 1 hour (internal temp 135ยฐF)
- Medium: 1 hr 15 min (internal temp 145ยฐF)
- Well-done: 1 hr 30 min
Notes
Refrigerator 3โ4 days in an airtight container. Freezer Up to 2 months (slice before freezing). Reheating Oven: 300ยฐF for 10โ12 minutes Skillet: Low heat 2โ3 minutes Microwave: 45 seconds (donโt overheat) ๐ฅ Variations
โญ Rosemary Garlic Butter Roast Add 2 tbsp softened butter to the garlic paste. โญ Spicy Roast Beef Add chili flakes or smoked paprika. โญ Herb-Crusted Roast Add thyme, oregano, and parsley. โญ Honey Garlic Roast Beef Add 1 tbsp honey to the paste for caramelization. โญ Veggie Roast Version Add potatoes, onions, and carrots around beef. โญ Lemon Herb Roast Add lemon zest for brightness. โ 10 FAQs
1. What is the best cut for roast beef? Rib roast, top sirloin, rump roast, or eye round. 2. Can I use dried rosemary? Yes โ use 1 tsp dried rosemary. 3. Do I need to sear the meat first? The high-heat start at 450ยฐF acts as a natural sear. 4. Do I need to cover the roast? No โ leave uncovered for best crust. 5. Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes โ 6โ8 hours on LOW. 6. Is it halal? Yes โ use halal-certified beef. 7. Can I make gravy with the drippings? Yes โ whisk 1 tbsp flour into the drippings. 8. Can I prep it ahead? Season roast and refrigerate for 12โ24 hours. 9. Should I trim the fat? Leave a thin layer for more flavor. 10. Why is resting important? It helps juices redistribute for tenderness. ๐ Conclusion This Rosemary Garlic Christmas Roast Beef is the perfect holiday centerpiece โ simple, aromatic, juicy, and full of classic Christmas flavor. With its savory garlic crust, fragrant rosemary, and beautifully tender meat, this recipe brings elegance and warmth to any holiday gathering. Serve it with your favorite holiday sides for an unforgettable Christmas dinner your family will love.
