ย 

Perfect Christmas Roast Beef with Pomegranate Holiday Gravy

Photo of author
Author: Adam
Published:

๐ŸŽ‰ 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 thatโ€™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 youโ€™ll remember forever โ€” the perfect showstopper for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.


๐Ÿงฐ Equipment Needed

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Oven

๐Ÿ›’ Ingredients

For the Roast Beef

  • 4โ€“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

  • 1ยฝ cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ยฝ cup pomegranate seeds (optional garnish)

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC).

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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).

Step 8: Continue roasting for 1 to 1ยฝ hours, depending on desired doneness.

Step 9: Check internal temperature:

  • 125ยฐF for medium-rare
  • 135ยฐF for medium
  • 145ยฐF 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.


๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 8โ€“10
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

๐ŸงŠ Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

3โ€“4 days in airtight containers.

Freezer

Up to 2 months (store gravy separately).

Reheating

  • Beef: Oven at 300ยฐF for 10 minutes.
  • Gravy: Heat gently on stove with a splash of broth.

๐Ÿฅ„ Variations

โญ Herb-Crusted Roast

Add parsley, sage, or oregano.

โญ Spicy Christmas Roast

Add chili flakes to the herb mix.

โญ Honey Pomegranate Glaze

Mix 2 tbsp honey into the gravy.

โญ Garlic Butter Christmas Roast

Spread garlic butter under the roast fat cap.

โญ Citrus Herb Version

Add orange zest to the beef seasoning.


โ“ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes โ€” tenderloin, rib roast, sirloin, or top round all work.

2. Does pomegranate juice replace wine well?

Yes โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” the 450ยฐF 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 โ€” roast potatoes, carrots, and onions in the pan.


๐Ÿ 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. Itโ€™s simple to prepare but feels like a gourmet feast โ€” exactly what Christmas dinner deserves.

Adam

Perfect Christmas Roast Beef with Pomegranate Holiday Gravy

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 thatโ€™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 youโ€™ll remember forever โ€” the perfect showstopper for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Roast Beef
  • 4 โ€“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
  • 1ยฝ cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ยฝ cup pomegranate seeds optional garnish

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC).
    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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
                Step 8: Continue roasting for 1 to 1ยฝ hours, depending on desired doneness.
                  Step 9: Check internal temperature:
                  1. 125ยฐF for medium-rare
                  2. 135ยฐF for medium
                  3. 145ยฐF 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.

                                  Notes

                                  ๐ŸงŠ Storage & Reheating
                                  Refrigerator
                                  3โ€“4 days in airtight containers.
                                  Freezer
                                  Up to 2 months (store gravy separately).
                                  Reheating
                                  Beef: Oven at 300ยฐF for 10 minutes.
                                  Gravy: Heat gently on stove with a splash of broth.
                                  ๐Ÿฅ„ Variations
                                  โญ Herb-Crusted Roast
                                  Add parsley, sage, or oregano.
                                  โญ Spicy Christmas Roast
                                  Add chili flakes to the herb mix.
                                  โญ Honey Pomegranate Glaze
                                  Mix 2 tbsp honey into the gravy.
                                  โญ Garlic Butter Christmas Roast
                                  Spread garlic butter under the roast fat cap.
                                  โญ Citrus Herb Version
                                  Add orange zest to the beef seasoning.
                                  โ“ 10 FAQs
                                  1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
                                  Yes โ€” tenderloin, rib roast, sirloin, or top round all work.
                                  2. Does pomegranate juice replace wine well?
                                  Yes โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” the 450ยฐF 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 โ€” roast potatoes, carrots, and onions in the pan.
                                  ๐Ÿ 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. Itโ€™s simple to prepare but feels like a gourmet feast โ€” exactly what Christmas dinner deserves.
                                  Adam

                                  Hello! Iโ€™m Adam, a 34-year-old passionate chef and the creator of The Food Journal.
                                  Welcome to my corner of the internet where flavor meets creativity. Here at The Food Journal, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and food stories โ€” all crafted to inspire your next delicious meal.

                                  You Might Also Like...

                                  Mini Sugar Cookies โ€” Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Bite-Sized

                                  Mini Sugar Cookies โ€” Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Bite-Sized

                                  Laura Bushโ€™s Cowboy Cookies Will Steal Your Heart in 1 Bite

                                  Laura Bushโ€™s Cowboy Cookies Will Steal Your Heart in 1 Bite

                                  Creamy Parmesan Risotto Topped With Lemon Butter Scallops โ€“ Elegant & Comforting

                                  Creamy Parmesan Risotto Topped With Lemon Butter Scallops โ€“ Elegant & Comforting

                                  Pumpkin Protein Balls โ€“ Gluten-Free, Vegan & No-Bake Snack

                                  Pumpkin Protein Balls โ€“ Gluten-Free, Vegan & No-Bake Snack

                                  Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken โ€“ Creamy, Comforting & Ready Fast

                                  Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken โ€“ Creamy, Comforting & Ready Fast

                                  Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Yogurt Clusters โ€“ Sweet, Refreshing & Guilt-Free Treat

                                  Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Yogurt Clusters โ€“ Sweet, Refreshing & Guilt-Free Treat

                                  Leave a Comment

                                  Recipe Rating




                                  ๐Ÿ“˜ FREE VIP Recipe eBook (PDF) โ€” Download Today ๐ŸŽ Top 20 Must-Try Recipes for 2025 โ€ข Instant Download
                                  ๐Ÿ”ฅ 12,763 people downloaded this recipe eBook