Perfect Christmas Roast Beef with Pomegranate Holiday Gravy

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 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.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

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

Method

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.

Notes

🧊 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.