It’s not too early to start planning your Christmas dinner! While turkey, ham, and goose are all popular options, roast beef is a nice change of pace from the Thanksgiving fare. Today I’m sharing the best cuts of beef for your Christmas roast!
Prime Rib – The Best Choice For A Christmas Roast
I’m not going to lie, there is a clear favorite amongst the cuts of beef, and that is prime rib. This fantastically flavorful cut of beef has plenty of fat to keep it moist and delicious. The key to serving this wonderful roast is not to overcook it! A wireless meat probe thermometer, such as this model on Amazon, will help you keep the internal temperature where it needs to be.
Prime rib is the best cut in my opinion, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. The big drawback to prime rib is price. It is the most expensive option on this list. You can find deals the closer you get to Christmas, but it is still going to be an expensive purchase.
There are numerous tasty sides that will go with this roast if you decide to go with it. Baked potatoes cooked in the juices falling off the roast are always a winner when we’ve had the dish. Mashed potatoes are a good starchy alternative. A classic pairing on the bread side is Yorkshire pudding.
Beef Tenderloin
For a leaner option, beef tenderloin comes in clutch. As the name implies, this is the most tender option on the list. However, the lack of fat also means a lack of flavor compared to other options on this list. You’ll need to make up for that with marinades and/or seasonings.
New York Strip
New York strip may be most known as a steak, but a strip roast is a phenomenal alternative to prime rib if that’s not your cup of tea. While not boasting as much fat as prime rib, it is no slouch in the flavor department. The New York strip will have you in an Empire State of mind come Christmas!
A New York strip roast is also a cheaper alternative to prime rib. This option is great for those looking for something upscale, but less than a second mortgage on the house. The same sides that paired with prime rib will work great with a strip roast, too!
Top Sirloin
Top sirloin is a fantastic budget option compared to the previous entries. It boasts a wonderful beefy flavor despite its lack of fat compared to prime rib and New York strip. Sirloin is one of my go-to options when I take my family to the steakhouse, both for flavor and affordability.
Good sides for a top sirloin roast include roasted potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, and other roasted vegetables. You could sub in mashed potatoes like the other roasts I mentioned as well.
Chuck – Most Affordable Option For Christmas Roast
If you are looking for a super affordable option, don’t sleep on the good ‘ol Chuck roast. This roast can often be found for less than $20. It has plenty of fat and good flavor. For those with a tight budget, this might be your best choice.
For a delicious pot roast style meal, check out my Mississippi Pot Roast recipe! It has all the favorites of a traditional pot roast with an acidic kick from the addition of pepperoncini peppers. Don’t let the name pepper scare you; this dish is not spicy at all. Served with potatoes and carrots, everyone will leave this Christmas dinner with a full belly!
[…] If prime rib is simply not in your budget, there are other roast options you can use in its place. A chuck roast is a very affordable option, and delicious as well. For more beef choices, check out my post on the Best Cuts of Beef for Christmas Roast. […]