🎉 Introduction
This Perfect Christmas Roast Beef with Pomegranate Holiday Gravy is a stunning, festive, and luxurious holiday centerpiece that brings warmth, elegance, and unforgettable flavor to your Christmas dinner table. The roast beef is seasoned with aromatic herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper, then slow-roasted until tender, juicy, and perfectly browned on the outside.
Instead of traditional red wine gravy, this halal-friendly recipe uses pomegranate juice to create a deep, rich, glossy sauce that’s sweet-tart, savory, and wonderfully festive. It pairs beautifully with the beef and adds a vibrant holiday sparkle to every slice.
This dish looks impressive, tastes divine, and fills the home with Christmas aromas you’ll remember forever — the perfect showstopper for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Knife & cutting board
- Oven
🛒 Ingredients
For the Roast Beef
- 4–5 lb beef roast (rib roast, top sirloin, or tenderloin)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Pomegranate Holiday Gravy
- 1½ cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds (optional garnish)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 2: Pat the beef roast dry and place it on a cutting board.
Step 3: Mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 4: Rub the herb mixture all over the beef roast.
Step 5: Place the roast on a rack inside a roasting pan.
Step 6: Roast for 20 minutes to develop a brown crust.
Step 7: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Continue roasting for 1 to 1½ hours, depending on desired doneness.
Step 9: Check internal temperature:
- 125°F for medium-rare
- 135°F for medium
- 145°F for medium-well
Step 10: Remove the roast from the oven and tent loosely with foil for 15 minutes.
Step 11: While resting, heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 12: Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1 minute.
Step 13: Add pomegranate juice and beef broth while whisking continuously.
Step 14: Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Step 15: Simmer the gravy until thickened and glossy.
Step 16: Slice the roast beef against the grain.
Step 17: Serve with warm pomegranate gravy and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
3–4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer
Up to 2 months (store gravy separately).
Reheating
- Beef: Oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Gravy: Heat gently on stove with a splash of broth.
🥄 Variations
⭐ Herb-Crusted Roast
Add parsley, sage, or oregano.
⭐ Spicy Christmas Roast
Add chili flakes to the herb mix.
⭐ Honey Pomegranate Glaze
Mix 2 tbsp honey into the gravy.
⭐ Garlic Butter Christmas Roast
Spread garlic butter under the roast fat cap.
⭐ Citrus Herb Version
Add orange zest to the beef seasoning.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes — tenderloin, rib roast, sirloin, or top round all work.
2. Does pomegranate juice replace wine well?
Yes — it adds depth, acidity, and holiday sweetness.
3. Can I make the gravy thicker?
Simmer longer or add a small spoon of flour slurry.
4. Can I skip flour?
Use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
5. Can I prepare the roast ahead of time?
Yes — season and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
6. Can I use frozen beef?
Thaw fully for even cooking.
7. Should I sear the roast first?
Optional — the 450°F oven step creates the crust.
8. Can I replace Dijon?
Use garlic sauce or a mild mustard.
9. How do I keep the beef juicy?
Do not overcook and always let it rest.
10. Can I add vegetables?
Yes — roast potatoes, carrots, and onions in the pan.
🏁 Conclusion
This Perfect Christmas Roast Beef with Pomegranate Holiday Gravy is a rich, festive, and breathtaking centerpiece that brings elegance and joy to your Christmas celebration. The herb crust gives deep aromatic flavor, the beef stays tender and juicy, and the pomegranate gravy adds a bright holiday sparkle. It’s simple to prepare but feels like a gourmet feast — exactly what Christmas dinner deserves.

Perfect Christmas Roast Beef with Pomegranate Holiday Gravy
Method
- 125°F for medium-rare
- 135°F for medium
- 145°F for medium-well
Notes
Refrigerator 3–4 days in airtight containers. Freezer Up to 2 months (store gravy separately). Reheating Beef: Oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Gravy: Heat gently on stove with a splash of broth. 🥄 Variations
⭐ Herb-Crusted Roast Add parsley, sage, or oregano. ⭐ Spicy Christmas Roast Add chili flakes to the herb mix. ⭐ Honey Pomegranate Glaze Mix 2 tbsp honey into the gravy. ⭐ Garlic Butter Christmas Roast Spread garlic butter under the roast fat cap. ⭐ Citrus Herb Version Add orange zest to the beef seasoning. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes — tenderloin, rib roast, sirloin, or top round all work. 2. Does pomegranate juice replace wine well? Yes — it adds depth, acidity, and holiday sweetness. 3. Can I make the gravy thicker? Simmer longer or add a small spoon of flour slurry. 4. Can I skip flour? Use cornstarch for a gluten-free option. 5. Can I prepare the roast ahead of time? Yes — season and refrigerate up to 24 hours. 6. Can I use frozen beef? Thaw fully for even cooking. 7. Should I sear the roast first? Optional — the 450°F oven step creates the crust. 8. Can I replace Dijon? Use garlic sauce or a mild mustard. 9. How do I keep the beef juicy? Do not overcook and always let it rest. 10. Can I add vegetables? Yes — roast potatoes, carrots, and onions in the pan. 🏁 Conclusion This Perfect Christmas Roast Beef with Pomegranate Holiday Gravy is a rich, festive, and breathtaking centerpiece that brings elegance and joy to your Christmas celebration. The herb crust gives deep aromatic flavor, the beef stays tender and juicy, and the pomegranate gravy adds a bright holiday sparkle. It’s simple to prepare but feels like a gourmet feast — exactly what Christmas dinner deserves.
