Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. One of the most classic and beloved dishes for the holiday meal is roast beef. Whether you're serving a large family gathering or a more intimate dinner, these Christmas roast beef dinner recipes are sure to be a hit.

Let's start with the brisket. Brisket is a tough cut of meat, but when cooked properly, it becomes tender and full of flavor. To prepare a Christmas brisket, first, choose a high - quality brisket. Look for one with good marbling, as this will add moisture and flavor during cooking. Season the brisket generously with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.

Place the seasoned brisket in a roasting pan and add some beef broth or red wine to the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the meat moist. Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast in a pre - heated oven at a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), for several hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the brisket, but generally, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours per pound. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 195 - 205°F (90 - 96°C) for a tender, fall - apart brisket. Once cooked, let the brisket rest for at least 15 - 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy meat.

Another great option is the tenderloin. The tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of beef, perfect for a more elegant Christmas dinner. Start by trimming any excess fat from the tenderloin. Tie the tenderloin with kitchen twine at regular intervals to keep it in a uniform shape during cooking. Season the tenderloin with a mixture of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with salt and pepper.

Pre - heat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Sear the tenderloin in a hot skillet on all sides until it develops a nice brown crust. Then, transfer the seared tenderloin to a roasting pan and place it in the pre - heated oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue roasting. The cooking time for a tenderloin depends on its size, but a general rule of thumb is about 20 - 25 minutes per pound for medium - rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 135°F (57°C) for medium - rare. After removing the tenderloin from the oven, let it rest for 10 - 15 minutes before slicing.

For a unique twist on the traditional roast beef, you can try a stuffed roast. Take a boneless roast, make a pocket in the center, and stuff it with a mixture of your favorite ingredients. You could use a combination of spinach, feta cheese, and sun - dried tomatoes. Season the outside of the roast as usual and cook it in the oven following the same guidelines as for a regular roast. The stuffing adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dish more visually appealing.

When it comes to serving your Christmas roast beef, pair it with classic sides such as roasted potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. A rich and creamy horseradish sauce is also a must - have accompaniment. You can make your own horseradish sauce by combining grated horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a touch of lemon juice. Adjust the amount of horseradish according to your taste preference.

These Christmas roast beef recipes offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and cooking styles. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you can create a delicious and memorable Christmas dinner with these recipes. So, this holiday season, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a mouth - watering Christmas roast beef meal.