The holidays should be about joy, family, and making memories. But let’s be honest, sometimes the pressure of creating a big meal can feel a little overwhelming. What if I told you that you could make a show stopping main course with minimal effort? It’s totally possible.
This slow cooker beef roast is the answer to your holiday prayers. It’s one of those amazing Holiday Dinner Recipes that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, but your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. This is the Easy Christmas Dinner you’ve been dreaming of.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just incredible. The glaze is this wonderful mix of sweet and tangy, with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a little kick from Dijon mustard. It seeps into every slice of the beef, making it so juicy and tender.
The best part? It’s so incredibly simple. This is one of the most forgiving Easy Christmas Meals you can make. You just mix the glaze, pour it over the roast, and let your slow cooker work its magic. No constant basting or oven watching required.
This frees up your time and your oven space for all those tasty side dishes. You get to spend more time with your loved ones and less time stressing over the main course. It’s a win win situation.
Plus, it looks so festive on the dinner table. Imagine a beautifully glazed roast, maybe with a few fresh rosemary sprigs for color. It’s one of those Simple Christmas Dinner Ideas that delivers big on presentation without the big effort.
Ingredients
Everything you need for this recipe is easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s your shopping list for the most delicious and Easy Christmas Dinner ever.
- Fully cooked beef roast, approximately 8 pounds
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get started? Following these simple steps will give you a fantastic main course for your holiday table. It really is an Easy Christmas Dinner.
Step 1: Prepare The Roast
First, get your slow cooker ready. Gently place your fully cooked beef roast into the basin. If your roast is a little too big, don’t worry. We have a solution for that coming up soon.
Step 2: Make The Glaze
Now for the magic part, the glaze. Grab a small saucepan. Combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, honey, ground cloves, and minced garlic. Put the saucepan over high heat.
You’ll want to stir it occasionally until all the sugar has completely dissolved. The kitchen will start to smell amazing. This sweet and savory sauce is the heart of our Easy Christmas Dinner.
Step 3: Combine And Cook
Carefully pour this warm glaze mixture all over the beef roast in the slow cooker. Here’s a key tip: try to gently separate the slices of the roast. This lets that delicious glaze get in between every single slice for maximum flavor.
If you are using them, add the fresh rosemary sprigs now. They will add a lovely, subtle pine aroma that just screams holidays.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Place the lid on your slow cooker. If the roast is too large for the lid to fit snugly, you can make a tight cover using aluminum foil instead. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep all that moisture and heat inside.
Set your slow cooker to the low setting and let it cook for four to five hours. That’s it! You can now focus on your other dishes, or just relax. Your work for the main course is done.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your delicious meal, storing them is simple. Let the beef cool down completely to room temperature first. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, you can place the leftover beef in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. The flavors can even get better the next day.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the beef. Place it in a freezer safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Leftovers are great for making quick sandwiches, adding to salads, or serving with some quick mashed potatoes for a fast weeknight meal. These are the kinds of Easy Christmas Meals that keep on giving.
Tips
Want to make your dinner even more memorable? Here are a few extra tips. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the mustard. A spicy brown mustard will give it a little more kick, while a classic Dijon is a bit smoother.
When you pour the glaze, really take that extra minute to work it between the slices. This step makes a huge difference in how flavorful and moist the final dish is. It ensures every bite is just as good as the last.
As for side dishes, this roast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans with almonds, or a simple holiday salad. Keep the sides simple to stick with the theme of an Easy Christmas Dinner.
If you can’t find a fully cooked beef roast, you can use an uncooked one. You will need to adjust the cooking time significantly, likely to 8 to 10 hours on low, to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.
Conclusion
There you have it. A truly simple and elegant main course for your holiday feast. This recipe proves that preparing Holiday Dinner Recipes does not have to be a complicated affair.
By using your slow cooker, you can create a memorable meal that your family will love, all while keeping your stress levels low. This is one of the best Simple Christmas Dinner Ideas for a reason. It delivers on taste, convenience, and holiday cheer.
We hope this Easy Christmas Dinner becomes a new tradition in your home, allowing you to enjoy the magic of the season just a little bit more.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Roast?
Yes, you can. This recipe uses a fully cooked beef roast for convenience. If you use a different cut or an uncooked roast, you will need to adjust your cooking time. Always cook meat to its proper internal temperature.
What Can I Serve With This Beef Roast?
So many things go well with this dish. Classic choices include mashed or roasted potatoes, green bean casserole, honey glazed carrots, and dinner rolls to soak up the extra glaze. A fresh salad is also a nice touch.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
The glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, the roast itself is best served fresh and warm from the slow cooker for the best texture and flavor.
I Don’t Have A Slow Cooker. Can I Make This In The Oven?
Yes, you can adapt this for the oven. Place the roast in a dutch oven or large baking dish. Pour the glaze over it, cover tightly with a lid or foil, and bake at 325°F (165°C). The timing will vary, but you’ll want to heat it through, which may take about two hours.
Slow Cooker Glazed Beef Roast
Enjoy a comforting slow cooker beef roast that offers rich, sweet, and tangy flavors with minimal effort. This easy main course is perfect for holidays, freeing up your time and oven space.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently place your fully cooked beef roast into the slow cooker basin.
- Grab a small saucepan. Combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, honey, ground cloves, and minced garlic. Put the saucepan over high heat and stir occasionally until all the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Carefully pour this warm glaze mixture all over the beef roast in the slow cooker. Gently separate the slices of the roast to let the glaze get in between every single slice. If using, add the fresh rosemary sprigs now.
- Place the lid on your slow cooker. If the roast is too large for the lid to fit snugly, make a tight cover using aluminum foil instead, ensuring it’s sealed well to keep moisture and heat inside.
- Set your slow cooker to the low setting and let it cook for four to five hours. Serve immediately.
Notes
Experiment with mustard type for different kicks; a spicy brown mustard will give it a little more flavor, while a classic Dijon is a bit smoother.
When pouring the glaze, take an extra minute to work it between the slices for maximum flavor and moisture in the final dish.
This roast pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans with almonds, or a simple holiday salad.
If you can’t find a fully cooked beef roast, you can use an uncooked one. You will need to adjust the cooking time significantly, likely to 8 to 10 hours on low, to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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