Delicious Beef Recipes for Christmas Dinner Your Family Will Love

October 20, 2025 By Snake River Farms
Woman serving prime rib at a table with people around

Delicious Beef Recipes for Christmas Dinner 

The aroma of a perfectly roasted beef tenderloin filling your home on Christmas Eve—there’s no scent quite like it. The excitement of planning a memorable holiday meal is always paired with the challenge of creating something that will impress your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying something new this year, beef recipes for Christmas dinner are the perfect solution for a festive, unforgettable feast.


At Snake River Farms, we’ve got easy, elegant, and crowd-pleasing recipes to make your holiday meal something special. From juicy Wagyu tenderloin to melt-in-your-mouth ribeye roasts, we’ve got you covered.


Browse our American Wagyu Roasts or Wagyu Steaks and make this Christmas unforgettable!

 

Why Beef Makes Christmas Dinner Special

Beef has long been a centerpiece of holiday feasts, and for good reason. Its rich flavor and versatility make it an ideal choice for everything from intimate family dinners to larger gatherings. Whether it’s a tenderloin roast for a special holiday dinner or a hearty brisket to feed a crowd, beef fits the bill for every occasion.


We believe beef brings something extra to the table, especially when paired with seasonal sides and wines. Cuts like ribeye, tenderloin, brisket, and even ground beef can be elevated to new heights with the right seasoning and cooking methods.


Choosing the Right Beef for Your Holiday Table

Selecting the right beef for your Christmas feast is essential to creating a memorable meal. The variety of cuts available can sometimes make it tricky to choose, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! Whether you’re serving a small group or hosting a larger gathering, there’s a beef cut to match your needs, offering everything from tenderness to flavor complexity. Let’s explore some of the most popular cuts and their unique benefits to help you decide on the perfect option for your holiday dinner.


Different Cuts & Their Benefits

Choosing the right beef cut can make all the difference in your Christmas meal.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of our favorite cuts:

  • Ribeye: Known for its rich marbling, ribeye is incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a favorite for holiday entertaining.

  • Tenderloin Roast: This cut is the epitome of elegance. Perfectly cooked, it’s a showstopper on any holiday table.

  • Brisket: If you’re looking for a slow-cooked, cozy option, brisket is ideal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and can be prepared in advance.

  • Ground Wagyu: Ground Wagyu beef is surprisingly versatile. Use it for meatballs, holiday sliders, or other creative dishes.


Portion Sizes and Servings

When planning your holiday meal, it’s important to know how much beef to buy. Typically, we recommend around 6 to 8 ounces of beef per person, depending on the cut and how much else is being served. Don’t forget to account for leftovers, the best part of Christmas dinner!


Why Buy High-Quality Beef

At Snake River Farms, we’re proud to offer the highest quality American Wagyu beef. Our beef is graded for marbling, tenderness, and flavor, ensuring every bite is rich and delicious. If you want your Christmas dinner to stand out, choose quality beef that makes a difference.


Learn more about what beef grading is and why it matters.


 

Crowd-Pleasing Beef Recipes for Christmas Dinner

Now that you know which beef cuts to choose, it’s time to think about how to prepare them. The right recipe can transform a good cut into something spectacular, making your Christmas dinner an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a dish that requires a bit more time and care, we’ve got the perfect recipes for you. These beef dishes are designed to be crowd-pleasers, easy to prepare, and sure to impress your guests.


Wagyu Tenderloin Roast

A Wagyu tenderloin roast is the definition of elegance. It’s tender, flavorful, and will undoubtedly become the star of your Christmas dinner. Doug G., one of our verified buyers, raved about it: Cooked this Wagyu Tenderloin Roast for my family's Christmas dinner, everyone said it was hands down the best piece of meat they have ever eaten. It was so good my vegetarian sister even had a serving!


Shop our Wagyu Tenderloin Roast and check out full recipes here.


Ribeye Steaks for Holiday Entertaining

If you’re hosting a more casual gathering, ribeye steaks are the way to go. Quick to cook yet packed with flavor, they’re perfect for slicing and sharing. Eileen F. shared: “Your Wagyu Ribeye Steaks were the hit of our Christmas Dinner. Thank you from my whole family.

Shop our Ribeye Steaks and discover ribeye recipes here.


Brisket Recipes for a Cozy Christmas

For something that fills the house with irresistible aromas, a slow-cooked brisket is hard to beat. Steffanie C. raved about her experience: “This was the most tender Brisket I've eaten. We could not wait until it was finished and dug into that delicious, tender meat.”


Shop our Brisket and explore delicious recipes here.


Ground Beef Recipes with a Holiday Twist

Ground Wagyu can be used to create all kinds of festive dishes. Think flavorful meatballs, delicious Wagyu burgers, or mini sliders that make the perfect holiday appetizer.


Shop our Ground Wagyu and get easy recipes here.

 


Sides and Pairings to Complete Your Holiday Feast

No Christmas beef is complete without the right sides and pairings. At Snake River Farms, we know the perfect accompaniments can elevate your meal from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you stick with classic favorites or add a creative twist, these options will complement your high-quality American Wagyu beef beautifully.


Classic Holiday Sides

  • Roasted potatoes: Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Add rosemary and garlic for extra flavor.
  • Mashed root vegetables: Sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots make a colorful, comforting addition.
  • Green beans: Lightly steamed or sautéed with almonds for a simple, festive touch

 

Creative Pairings

  • Sauces and glazes: Try a red wine reduction, horseradish cream, or balsamic glaze to enhance your beef.
  • Compound butters: Herb or garlic butter adds richness and flavor to steaks and roasts.
  • Holiday twists: Roasted winter squash, caramelized onions, or pomegranate seeds add seasonal flair.

 

Wine and Beverage Pairings

  • Red wines: Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pair beautifully with ribeye and tenderloin.
  • White wines: A crisp Chardonnay balances richer cuts.
  • Non-alcoholic options: Sparkling water or festive mocktails provide a refreshing contrast.

Find the perfect drinks to complement your holiday beef and make your Christmas dinner complete.

 


Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Cooking

Cooking the perfect Christmas beef can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning and a few smart techniques, we help make the process easier so you can enjoy the holiday with your family. These tips focus on making the most of high-quality American Wagyu beef while keeping preparation simple and stress-free.


Make-Ahead Suggestions

  • Season and prep your beef in advance: For roasts like tenderloin or ribeye, we recommend seasoning the day before. This allows the flavors to develop while freeing up time on the big day.
  • Prepare sides early: Mashed root vegetables, roasted potatoes, or sauces can be made ahead and gently reheated.
  • Plan oven space: If you’re cooking multiple dishes, pre-cook or chill some sides so your beef gets the oven time it deserves.


Timing and Resting Tips

  • Follow suggested cook times for each cut: We share detailed cooking guidance in our How to Cook a Prime Rib and Guide: How to Cook a Steak posts.
  • Rest your roast or steaks: After cooking, let the meat rest 10 to 20 minutes. This simple step ensures the juices redistribute, giving every bite maximum flavor.
  • Use a thermometer: we recommends checking the thickest part of the cut to hit perfect doneness every time.

 

Cooking Methods

  • Roasting: Ideal for tenderloin or ribeye roasts, creating a tender, flavorful centerpiece.
  • Reverse sear: Slow-cook first, then sear for a rich, golden crust.
  • Sous vide: Provides precise temperature control for consistent results, perfect for American Wagyu.
  • Slow-cooking brisket: A cozy, hands-off approach for a tender, juicy cut.


“This was the most tender Brisket I've eaten. The smell of it cooking had us all excited, and it was so easy to prepare!” – Steffanie C., Verified Buyer

Master the ultimate Christmas roast today and make your holiday meal unforgettable with American Wagyu beef.



Frequently Asked Questions about Beef for Christmas Dinner

What is the best beef to serve for Christmas dinner?
The best beef depends on the experience you want for your holiday meal. For an elegant centerpiece, Wagyu tenderloin is perfect. If you want rich flavor and marbling, ribeye roasts are a crowd favorite. For a cozy, slow-cooked option, brisket works beautifully. Choosing high-quality beef ensures every bite is juicy, tender, and memorable.
How do people traditionally serve beef at Christmas?
Many families enjoy beef as the main protein instead of turkey or ham. Popular options include roasts, ribeye steaks, or brisket, often paired with festive sides, sauces, and wine. High-quality beef elevates the holiday meal and makes serving guests easier.
What should I serve with beef for Christmas dinner?
Classic sides like roasted potatoes, green beans, mashed root vegetables, and fresh salads complement beef beautifully. Consider sauces, glazes, or compound butters to enhance flavor. Pairing your beef with the right wine or beverages completes the holiday experience.
What is a traditional Christmas dinner menu?
A traditional Christmas dinner usually includes a centerpiece protein like beef, ham, or turkey, accompanied by vegetables, mashed or roasted potatoes, sauces, and festive desserts. For a modern twist, we recommend serving high-quality American Wagyu beef with classic and creative sides for an unforgettable meal.
How much beef should I plan per guest?
We suggest 6 to 8 ounces of beef per person, depending on the cut and other dishes served. For larger roasts like ribeye or tenderloin, plan for slightly more to ensure generous portions and leftovers.

 


Make This Christmas Feast Unforgettable with the Best Beef

As you plan your Christmas dinner, remember: choosing the right cut of beef is the key to a flavorful and memorable holiday meal. From Wagyu tenderloin roasts to succulent ribeye steaks, we have easy-to-follow recipes, crowd-pleasing sides, and tips to elevate your entire menu. Add those perfect festive touches, and you’re sure to impress your guests.

Let us help you bring your holiday meal to life with the world’s highest quality beef—from tender, marbled Wagyu to classic prime cuts. Shop our holiday beef cuts today and make your Christmas dinner something extraordinary.

Browse our American Wagyu Roasts or Wagyu Steaks and start planning your unforgettable Christmas feast now.

 

 

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