If you are looking to create an unforgettable centerpiece for your holiday feast, this Delicious Christmas Stuffed Beef Roast Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It combines tender, juicy beef with a vibrant stuffing of smoked bacon, fresh spinach, tangy cranberries, and a touch of sweetness from apples and maple syrup. This roast isn’t just a meal; it is a celebration on a plate, perfectly balancing savory, sweet, and aromatic elements that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavors and textures. Each item plays an important role, contributing to the roast’s rich and festive character, making the cooking experience as joyful as the eating.
- 4 pounds center-cut beef loin: The star of the dish, providing a tender and beefy foundation for the stuffing.
- 5 diced slices of smoked bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy bite that gives the stuffing depth and texture.
- 1 large diced shallot: Offers a mild sweetness and subtle onion flavor that ties the ingredients together.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Brings freshness and a delicate earthiness to balance the richness.
- 6 minced garlic cloves: For warmth and a fragrant punch that enhances the roast.
- 1 small peeled and finely diced apple: Adds a pop of sweetness and subtle tartness for vibrant contrast.
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries: Brings festive notes and a chewy contrast to the stuffing.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Sweetens and caramelizes elements of the stuffing beautifully.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tangy kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a smoky, slightly sweet warmth that complements the bacon.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme: Fresh herbs bring brightness and aromatic notes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Imparts a piney fragrance perfect for holiday dishes.
- 3 tablespoons butter: For richness and a velvety finish during roasting.
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary: Whole sprigs roasted with the beef to infuse flavor.
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme: Adds earthy herbal aroma while roasting.
- 10 whole garlic cloves: Roasted alongside for mellow, sweet garlic flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the roast moist and forms the base for the sauce.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter (for sauce): Used to build a luscious gravy.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for perfect consistency.
- 1 cup strained pan drippings broth: Concentrated flavor from the roast to enrich the sauce.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: A natural, wholesome side with sweet, earthy notes.
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil: Helps roast the sweet potatoes evenly with a subtle fruitiness.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for sweet potatoes): Adds caramelized sweetness complementing the savory beef.
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (for sweet potatoes): Balances the sweetness and enhances natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the sweet potatoes with delicate garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sweet potatoes): Slightly smoky seasoning to tie with the roast’s flavors.
- 2 teaspoons herbs de provence: A fragrant herb blend making the potatoes uniquely aromatic.
How to Make Delicious Christmas Stuffed Beef Roast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having the oven ready is vital — it ensures a perfect, even roast without any waiting time once the beef is prepared.
Step 2: Cook and Sauté the Stuffing Base
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced smoked bacon until crisp and fragrant. Removing the bacon, you’ll then sauté the diced shallot, fresh spinach, and minced garlic in the rendered bacon drippings. This step builds the foundational flavors for your stuffing, marrying smokiness with fresh greens and aromatic garlic.
Step 3: Combine the Stuffing Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the sautéed bacon and vegetables with finely diced apple, dried cranberries, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary. This combination creates a colorful, flavorful stuffing bursting with sweet, savory, and herby notes that will melt beautifully inside the roast.
Step 4: Prepare and Stuff the Beef Loin
Carefully create a pocket in the center-cut beef loin by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through. Stuff this pocket with the prepared mixture, then securely tie or pin the opening to keep everything inside. This technique traps the flavorful stuffing inside, helping the beef roast remain moist while infusing it with incredible layers of taste.
Step 5: Ready the Roasting Pan
In a roasting pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add the whole garlic cloves. The garlic will gently roast alongside the beef, adding mellow, sweet undertones to the final dish. Place the stuffed beef roast on top of the garlic and butter for an aromatic cooking experience.
Step 6: Roast to Perfection
Pour 1 cup of chicken broth around the roast to keep the environment moist and flavorful. Roast the beef for about 2 hours until it reaches your preferred doneness. The broth and herbs will slowly infuse, making every bite delightfully tender and aromatic.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
Once the roast is done, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, then gradually add the strained pan drippings combined with chicken broth. Simmer this mixture until it thickens into a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the beef and stuffing.
Step 8: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes and Serve
While your roast rests, slice the sweet potatoes and toss them with avocado or olive oil, maple syrup, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and herbs de Provence. Roast them until tender and caramelized. Serve the stuffed beef roast drizzled with the luscious sauce alongside these flavorful sweet potatoes for a festive, complete holiday meal.
How to Serve Delicious Christmas Stuffed Beef Roast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves adds a lovely aromatic finish to this roast. For an extra festive touch, consider scattering a few dried cranberries on the platter or a drizzle of extra maple syrup over the sweet potatoes. These small flourishes elevate the presentation and make the dish feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Besides the caramelized sweet potatoes, this roast pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or a crisp winter salad featuring pomegranate seeds and walnuts. Keeping sides seasonal and fresh intensifies the Christmas spirit while balancing the richness of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the roast into generous portions to showcase the colorful stuffing inside—it’s visually stunning and tempts everyone at the table. Serving the gravy in a small jug on the side lets guests control how much sauce they want, making the dining experience interactive. For an elegant touch, present the roast on a wooden carving board surrounded by fresh herbs and cranberries for a rustic, festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover beef roast tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the stuffing moist is key, so consider storing any leftover sauce separately to reheat and spoon back over the meat.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice or keep the whole stuffed roast, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid dryness, freeze the sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat slices of the roast in a covered dish at 300°F (150°C) in the oven to maintain juiciness. Warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method preserves the flavors and keeps the beef tender without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I prepare this Delicious Christmas Stuffed Beef Roast Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing and even assemble the roast the day before, then keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a center-cut beef loin because of its tenderness and size, perfect for stuffing. However, a beef top sirloin or a USDA prime ribeye roast with a similar size and shape can also work well.
Is it possible to adjust the stuffing for dietary preferences?
Certainly! You can make the stuffing vegetarian by omitting bacon and using mushrooms or toasted nuts for depth and texture. Just make sure to adjust seasonings accordingly to keep the balance of flavors.
How do I know when the beef roast is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way. Aim for about 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare and 145°F (63°C) for medium. Remember that the roast will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Can I substitute the dried cranberries with other fruits?
Yes, dried cherries or apricots make great alternatives and offer different but equally delightful sweet-tart notes. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Christmas Stuffed Beef Roast Recipe truly represents comfort, celebration, and flavor all in one gorgeous dish. Whether this becomes your holiday tradition or a special treat for any festive occasion, it promises joy in every bite. I cannot wait for you to try it and see how it lights up your holiday table with warmth and deliciousness.
Print
Delicious Christmas Stuffed Beef Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Delicious Christmas Stuffed Beef Roast recipe is an impressive and flavorful holiday centerpiece, featuring a tender center-cut beef loin filled with a savory mixture of smoked bacon, fresh spinach, garlic, apple, cranberries, and aromatic herbs. Roasted to perfection with rich pan drippings and accompanied by sweet maple-glazed sweet potatoes, this dish offers a festive and hearty meal that’s perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Beef Roast and Stuffing
- 4 pounds center-cut beef loin
- 5 diced slices of smoked bacon
- 1 large diced shallot
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 6 minced garlic cloves
- 1 small peeled and finely diced apple
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 10 whole garlic cloves
- 1 cup chicken broth
Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup strained pan drippings broth
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons herbs de Provence
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the beef.
- Cook Bacon and Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced smoked bacon until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon and, using the bacon drippings, sauté the diced shallot, fresh baby spinach, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Prepare Stuffing Mixture: In a bowl, combine the sautéed shallot, spinach, and garlic mixture with the cooked bacon, diced apple, chopped dried cranberries, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, sea salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Stuff the Beef Loin: Create a pocket in the center-cut beef loin by carefully slicing without cutting all the way through. Stuff the beef with the prepared filling mixture and securely close the pocket, using kitchen twine or skewers if necessary.
- Prepare Roasting Pan: In a large roasting pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add the 10 whole garlic cloves, along with the sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme. Place the stuffed beef roast on top of this aromatic base.
- Roast the Beef: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth around the roast in the pan to keep it moist during cooking. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the beef reaches the desired doneness and is tender.
- Make the Pan Sauce: While the beef roasts, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually add 1 cup of the strained pan drippings and broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Simmer gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then toss them with avocado or olive oil, maple syrup, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and herbs de Provence. Roast or sauté separately until tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Slice the stuffed beef roast and serve hot, drizzled with the rich pan sauce, alongside the maple-glazed sweet potatoes for a complete festive meal.
Notes
- Ensure to secure the stuffed beef properly to prevent the filling from leaking during roasting.
- Adjust roasting time based on the size of the beef and desired doneness; use a meat thermometer to check.
- For enhanced flavor, allow the stuffed roast to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- The sweet potatoes can be baked in the oven simultaneously with the roast for convenience.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic taste, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary, though in smaller amounts.
