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Restricted gatherings: Holiday spreads for the socially distanced
PRESENTED BY:
For most, the holidays are looking a little different this year. You’re likely missing at least a few familiar faces from your table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the season “together” with a delicious meal that will leave everyone feeling merry and bright.
This guide will help you plan a full holiday feast whether you’re able to have the whole family together in person…or just a few!
These recipes are for a smaller group but are NOT short on flavor. Who says a tiny gathering can’t feel special?
FOR 2 - 5 PEOPLE
Lemon-Pepper Ribeye Filets with Roasted Tomatoes
This meal requires only seven ingredients and is sure to impress your guests. Simply roast tomatoes in the oven with garlic, salt, and olive oil, while searing ribeye filets right on the stove. Then either top the steaks with tomatoes or serve on the side. This recipe provides maximum effect for minimum effort.
Herb-Seasoned Rib Roast with Red Wine Pan Sauce
You had us at red wine sauce. While you make the sauce, the wine works to deglaze, rescuing the burnt, crispy bits (major flavor) from the bottom of the pan and pulling them back into the sauce. It’s really a hero. After simmering with pan drippings and butter, this sauce can be poured right over slices of the roast. (You can wipe the drool off your screen now.)
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Garlic and Tri-Pepper-Crusted Beef Roast with Balsamic Sauce This is the simplest recipe and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. For this roast, and every beef roast, we recommend investing in a good meat thermometer. Be sure to keep an eye on it! There is NOTHING worse than having your hard-earned holiday meal come out with a dry center.
For a quick review of beef roasting basics, click here.
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FOR UP TO 8 PEOPLE
Herb-Crusted Beef Rib Roast with Roasted Fennel and Horseradish Cream Sauce
This is THE classic holiday rib roast. And if it ain’t broke…well, you know. With tons of marbling (hello, flavor), this roast is always a crowd-pleaser. Paired with a creamy, slightly spicy horseradish sauce, this dish feels dressed up, even if your dinner is more casual this year.
Beef Tri-Tip Roast with Rosemary-Garlic Vegetables
This savory herb-filled dish is a hands-off recipe that can be prepped earlier in the day and popped into the oven before guests arrive! Roasting the tri-tip (technically the “tip” of the sirloin, typically a meatier cut) is a great method to bring out the flavor of the meat and veggies. Potatoes and bell peppers provide great color to the dish, but you can get creative! Carrots, tomatoes, and zucchini all pair well.
Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Roast
Here’s a hint: “herb-crusted” ANYTHING means maximum flavor and texture with minimum effort. After being pressed into the outside of the tenderloin (show it some love), slow roasting brings out the true flavors and gives the meat’s edge a slight crisp.
Tip: Beef tenderloin is often a pricier cut, making it a great choice for a smaller group, as you’ll need less.
Top Sirloin Petite Roast with Parmesan Roasted Tomatoes
This special holiday dish has an Italian twist. Slow-roasting tomatoes in the oven dries them and brings out their sweetness, similar to sun-dried tomatoes. We recommend placing the finished carved roast on a large serving platter, then arranging the tomatoes over the top for a beautiful spread. (We won’t tell if you add extra parmesan cheese.)
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If your family is still craving classic beef rib roast this year, but you aren’t feeding a crowd, we’ve got you covered! Check out these downsized versions of our favorite rib roast variations.
LEFTOVERS
After cooking a large holiday meal, someone is usually stuck with leftovers. If that someone is you, these recipes can give your leftover beef a completely different vibe.
Beginning with Ridiculously Tasty Roast Beef, slow roasted with herbs and spices, this meat becomes tender and perfect for carving. This dish is super flavorful and still versatile enough to use in multiple other recipes, including these three:
Sushi Style Beef Rolls
Holiday food can be pretty heavy, but this sushi-style dish provides a lighter twist. With rice and nori paper, you can customize your sushi with veggie additions like snap peas, bell pepper, avocado, tomato, or whatever else you have on hand. This is also a great place to use up leftover sauces or spreads, like a spicy mayonnaise.
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Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich
Roast beef is not very common at the breakfast table, but we’re making a case for it. These sandwiches combine beef, eggs, spinach, swiss cheese, and tomato for a meal that’s packed with protein and will keep you going all morning long.
Tip: This recipe includes whole wheat bread, but if you have leftover rolls, these can turn into breakfast sandwich sliders!
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Roast Beef and Veggie Wraps
These wraps pair strips of roast beef with crunchy broccoli slaw and a creamy ranch dressing. This couldn’t-be-simpler recipe is weeknight-friendly and requires zero cooking. Give your oven a break!
Tip: Make the wraps more fun for kids (and easier to eat) by cutting into pinwheels before serving.
Tips for a Virtual Holiday Dinner
Whether your family is across town or across the country, you can use an online video chat like Zoom, and arrange for everyone to make the same menu.
With a little extra planning, you can organize post-dinner games. Simple verbal games like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Never Have I Ever” work best over video.
For more virtual game ideas, you can check these out before the big day.
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