Description
This effortless Christmas dinner ensures a stress-free holiday meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Featuring a perfectly roasted main dish, classic sides, and rich homemade gravy, this festive feast allows you to spend more time celebrating with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dish Ingredients
- 1 large roast (e.g., turkey, ham, or beef tenderloin).
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Side Dishes
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (for mashed or roasted options).
- 2 cups fresh green beans or frozen peas.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought).
Gravy Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock.
Optional Add-Ons
- Fresh rosemary and thyme for garnish.
- Lemon zest for an added citrus twist.
Instructions
Main Dish: Perfectly Roasted Meat
- Preheat Your Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to heat fully while you prep the ingredients.
- Tip: Always start with a preheated oven to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Meat
- Rub the roast with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Tip: For deeper flavor, let the seasoned meat rest for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Cook the Roast
- Place the meat in a roasting pan and cook for approximately 20 minutes per pound.
- Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness (e.g., 145°F for medium-rare beef or 165°F for poultry).
- Rest Before Slicing
- Remove the roast from the oven and cover loosely with foil for 15 minutes.
- Tip: Resting allows juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
Side Dishes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Tip: Use warm milk for smoother mashed potatoes.
- Sautéed Green Beans
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Sauté with garlic and olive oil.
- Tip: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Gravy
- Whisk butter and flour in a saucepan until golden, then slowly add stock. Stir until thickened.
- Tip: Use pan drippings from the roast for extra-rich gravy.
Notes
- Store Leftovers Properly: Place leftovers in airtight containers. Meats can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheating Made Easy: For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain texture. Add a splash of stock to prevent dryness.
Quick Microwave Tips: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel for even reheating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies by roast (approximately 20 minutes per pound) + 20 minutes for sides
- Category: Holiday Meal, Dinner
- Method: Roasting, Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Holiday, Comfort Food
Keywords: Christmas dinner, holiday feast, easy holiday meal, roasted meat, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, festive cooking