There’s something about the crackle of a cast iron pan hitting steak or the smoky waft from the broiler that always reminds me of Christmas growing up. Our family would gather in the kitchen, everyone half-dressed in cozy slippers, vying for a peek at whichever steak was destined for the holiday table. My dad always insisted on tender and juicy steaks for Christmas—it was our “special cut” tradition, the kind of meal that turned an ordinary evening into a celebration. Whether it’s just two of us or a bustling table full of relatives, Christmas steak recipes, tender and juicy with every bite, feel like an edible gift. So, if you’re looking to trade up from turkey or just want that perfect, rosy center steak on your holiday table, you’re in good company.

1. Classic Herb-Crusted Ribeye Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
This is the steak that immediately feels festive: thick ribeyes, seared with butter, aromatic herbs, and garlic until the crust is golden. It’s my go-to for laid-back family gatherings or friends who show up hungry. It never fails to impress, but the flavors are classic and unfussy—just what a cozy Christmas dinner calls for.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 bone-in ribeye steaks (about 1–1.5″ thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Pat steaks dry and let them come to room temperature.
- Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Sear in a hot cast iron skillet 3–4 minutes per side.
- Lower heat, add butter, garlic, and herbs, basting steak for 3–4 minutes.
- Rest at least 8 minutes before slicing.
Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):
Flavor Boost: Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of herb-infused butter just before serving.
Best Pairings: Serve alongside roasted potatoes and honey-glazed carrots.
2. Peppercorn-Crusted Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re looking to really spoil someone (or yourself) this Christmas, filet mignon is always worth it. The peppery crust and silky red wine pan sauce make it special but straightforward. I love this for an elegant sit-down dinner—everyone feels like they’re at a steakhouse.

Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 filet mignon steaks (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons crushed black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 shallot, minced
- Kosher salt
How to Make It:
- Press crushed peppercorns into both sides of the filets and season generously with salt.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high, sear filets 3–4 minutes per side.
- Remove steaks and rest; lower heat, add butter and shallot to pan.
- Pour in wine and sugar, simmer until reduced by half.
- Spoon sauce over steaks to serve.
Serving Idea: Pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered green beans.
3. Garlic Butter Christmas Strip Steaks
Why You’ll Love It:
Juicy strip steaks and a puddle of homemade garlic butter—this is my quick fix when the holiday bustle leaves me short on time. The garlic butter melts over the hot steak, creating the ultimate savory bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet festive enough for the main event.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 New York strip steaks (8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Let steaks come to room temperature, then season with salt and pepper.
- Sear in olive oil, 3–4 minutes per side, to desired doneness.
- While steaks rest, melt butter in a pan, add garlic, cook until fragrant, then stir in parsley.
- Drizzle garlic butter generously over sliced steaks to serve.
Flavor Boost: Toss a pinch of crushed red pepper into the garlic butter for subtle heat.
Meal Prep Tip: Leftover steak is great for steak sandwiches or salads.
4. Christmas Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Cream
Why You’ll Love It:
A prime rib roast is always the centerpiece at our biggest gatherings. It roasts low and slow, filling the house with irresistible aroma, and the leftovers are incredible for post-holiday sandwiches. The horseradish cream balances the rich meat perfectly.

Serving size: Serves 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 5-7 lb bone-in prime rib
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How to Make It:
- Rub prime rib with oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic powder.
- Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
- Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes, then at 325°F for 2 hours (until 125°F internal temp for medium-rare).
- Rest 20+ minutes before slicing.
- Mix sour cream, horseradish, mustard, and lemon juice for the sauce.
Serving Idea: Serve with Yorkshire pudding and buttery green beans.
Meal Prep Tip: Prime rib can be roasted ahead and gently reheated in slices.
5. Sheet Pan Christmas Steak and Vegetables
Why You’ll Love It:
When I need something hands-off (like juggling presents or little ones), this all-in-one steak and veggie tray is a lifesaver. Juicy steak bakes alongside rainbow vegetables, and cleanup is a breeze.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, sliced into strips
- 1 lb fingerling potatoes, halved
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Toss vegetables with 2 tablespoons oil and Italian seasoning, spread on half the sheet pan.
- Toss steak strips with remaining oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange beside veggies.
- Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until veggies are tender and steak is medium.
Swap This With That: Try using sweet potatoes or broccoli instead of fingerlings and sprouts.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Sirloin works well and is less pricey than ribeye or filet.
6. Maple-Balsamic Glazed Flank Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
This steak is sweet, tangy, and savory at once—the kind of thing I love to grill for a casual holiday night. The marinade does all the work, and a quick broil makes for perfectly juicy slices.

Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make It:
- Mix maple, vinegar, oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper for marinade.
- Marinate steak at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Broil 5–7 minutes per side or grill over high heat.
- Rest, then slice thinly against the grain.
Flavor Boost: Drizzle extra glaze over steak before serving.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip resting—cutting too soon loses those vital juices.
7. Blue Cheese Butter Christmas Sirloin
Why You’ll Love It:
My blue cheese-loving friends look forward to this every December. The tangy richness of the cheese butter is mellowed by the hot steak, making every bite a treat for special-occasion steak fans.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 sirloin steaks (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Mash blue cheese, butter, and chives together; shape into a log and chill.
- Season steaks with salt and pepper, sear in olive oil 4–5 minutes per side.
- Rest steaks, then top each with a slice of blue cheese butter.
Serving Idea: Great served with a simple arugula salad or oven fries.
Personal Note: We’ve made this on the stovetop and the outdoor grill—both are excellent.
8. Holiday Smoked Brisket Steak Slices
Why You’ll Love It:
If you have a smoker or know someone who does, brisket steak is the king of low-and-slow comfort. The slices are smoky, tender, and juicy enough to wow a potluck or casual gathering.

Serving size: Serves 10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 6–8 lb whole beef brisket
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
How to Make It:
- Rub brisket with mustard.
- Combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder; rub all over brisket.
- Smoke at 225°F for about 8 hours, until tender (internal temp 200°F).
- Rest 30 minutes, slice against the grain.
Flavor Boost: Spritz brisket with apple juice every 2 hours to keep it moist.
Best Pairings: Rolls, creamy slaw, and warm potato salad.
9. Coffee-Crusted Christmas Strip Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
Adding coffee grounds gives a subtle depth and rich color to the crust, without tasting like breakfast. This is a favorite when I want something a bit unexpected but still hearty and classic for a holiday dinner.

Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 strip steaks (10 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon finely ground coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make It:
- Mix coffee, sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Rub steaks all over, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Sear in hot skillet 4–5 minutes per side.
- Rest and slice to serve.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne to the rub for more heat.
Best Pairings: Roasted sweet potatoes and wilted spinach.
10. Rosemary and Garlic Marinated Christmas Hanger Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
A good marinade can transform an inexpensive cut into something magical. Hanger steak soaks up rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, turning out tender and juicy—not a scrap left when this hits my table.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 lbs hanger steak
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
How to Make It:
- Mix oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Marinate steak at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
- Sear steak in a hot grill pan or cast iron skillet, 4–5 minutes per side.
- Rest, slice thinly, and serve.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook; hanger steak is best medium-rare.
Serving Idea: Delicious on top of a peppery arugula salad.
11. Red Wine Braised Boneless Short Ribs
Why You’ll Love It:
Christmas evenings are made for slow braises. The fork-tender beef with velvety sauce makes a comforting, hands-off meal that’s even better the next day—perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 3 lbs boneless beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Brown short ribs all over in oil, then remove to a plate.
- Add onion, carrot, celery to pot, cook 6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and tomato paste, cook 2 more minutes.
- Pour in wine and simmer to reduce by half.
- Return ribs to pot, pour in broth, add thyme, bay, salt, and pepper.
- Braise covered in a 325°F oven for 3 hours.
Meal Prep Tip: These reheat beautifully—make a day ahead for stress-free serving.
Best Pairings: Creamy mashed potatoes and buttery peas.
12. Christmas Steak au Poivre
Why You’ll Love It:
Steak au poivre brings a little French holiday flair to your table—rich, peppery, creamy, and surprisingly easy for such a classic restaurant dish. It’s the ultimate treat for a two-person Christmas date night.

Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 tenderloin or sirloin steaks (6–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, crushed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup cognac or brandy
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- Salt
How to Make It:
- Press peppercorns into steaks and season with salt.
- Sear steaks in butter and oil, 3–4 minutes per side.
- Set steaks aside; add cognac to pan, simmer 1 minutes.
- Add cream, whisk and simmer 2–3 minutes until thick.
- Pour sauce over steaks.
Flavor Boost: Add a dash of Dijon to the pan sauce for tang.
Serving Idea: Best with pommes frites or garlicky sautéed spinach.
13. Stuffed Christmas Flank Steak Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
These steak rolls, stuffed with cheesy spinach and roasted peppers, are holiday party perfect—everyone loves the pinwheel look and surprising center. Plus, they slice easily for a buffet or platter.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hours
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 lbs flank steak, pounded thin
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 jar (8 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
How to Make It:
- Lay out steak, season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Arrange spinach, cheese, and peppers over steak.
- Tightly roll up and secure with kitchen twine.
- Sear in oil, then roast at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Rest, slice into spirals.
Swap This With That: Sub arugula for spinach or provolone for mozzarella.
Serving Idea: Slice and serve with warm marinara sauce.
14. Oven-Broiled Christmas T-Bone Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
When it’s too cold to grill, the broiler steps up. T-bone steaks broil fast, keeping the meat tender and juicy. It’s a great main for people who like both filet and strip (the T-bone offers each), and requires little fuss.

Serving size: Serves 2
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 t-bone steaks (16 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
How to Make It:
- Pat steaks dry, rub with oil, season with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Place on broiler rack 4 inches from heat, broil 5–7 minutes per side.
- Rest, then top with a pat of butter before serving.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Porterhouse steaks work similarly if T-bones aren’t available.
Serving Idea: Terrific with a roasted tomato salad.
15. Sweet and Spicy Christmas Skirt Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
If your Christmas needs a hint of Latin or Tex-Mex, skirt steak marinated in honey, chili, and lime will liven up your table. Sliced thin, it’s fantastic in a crowd setting, or as a family-style platter.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
- Mix honey, soy, sriracha, lime, oil, chili, garlic, salt, and pepper for marinade.
- Marinate steak 1 hour.
- Sear in a hot cast iron pan, 2–3 minutes per side.
- Let rest, slice thinly, drizzle with extra marinade.
Swap This With That: Flank steak works in place of skirt.
Flavor Boost: Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime.
16. Grilled Christmas Ribeye with Chimichurri
Why You’ll Love It:
On mild winters, we’ll even fire up the grill, because nothing beats a smoky charred ribeye and the vibrant freshness of homemade chimichurri. The brightness cuts through the steak’s richness, making it a lively but classic holiday option.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 large ribeye steaks (1.5 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup parsley leaves
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil (for chimichurri)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Brush steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over high heat 4–5 minutes per side.
- For chimichurri, pulse parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper in a food processor.
- Spoon chimichurri over steak just before serving.
Serving Idea: Serve with grilled shishito peppers or charred onions.
Meal Prep Tip: Chimichurri can be made ahead and refrigerated.
17. Christmas Steak and Mushroom Pot Pie
Why You’ll Love It:
Pot pie isn’t just for chicken—this version uses aromatic steak and mushrooms under a flaky crust, perfect for a cozy, snowy Christmas dinner. Every bite is buttery, meaty, and comforting.

Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hours
Total Time: 1 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
How to Make It:
- Brown steak cubes in oil, then transfer to a bowl.
- Sauté onion and mushrooms, then add garlic; stir in flour.
- Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce, bring to a simmer.
- Return steak, add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, cover with puff pastry, brush with egg.
- Bake at 400°F about 30–35 minutes until golden.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Use stew beef chunks if sirloin is pricey.
Serving Idea: Serve with a simple green salad.
18. Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Christmas Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
Adding a tart-sweet cranberry glaze to steak is a simple way to give it a holiday twist. The glaze is gorgeous and brings a uniquely festive flavor. It’s perfect for those wanting something different but not too out-there.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 13 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 lbs sirloin or strip steak
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup beef broth
How to Make It:
- Pat steak dry, season with salt and pepper, sear in oil 4–5 minutes per side.
- Simmer cranberries, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and broth until berries burst and sauce thickens.
- Rest steak, slice, then drizzle with cranberry glaze.
Flavor Boost: Add orange zest to the glaze for an extra festive note.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t over-reduce the glaze; keep it pourable.
19. Christmas Steakhouse Fajitas
Why You’ll Love It:
For a casual, family-style holiday dinner, steak fajitas are always a hit. Colorful, customizable, and so interactive—everyone builds their own, and nobody misses traditional fare.

Serving size: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 lbs skirt or flank steak, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 3 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Flour tortillas, for serving
How to Make It:
- Toss steak with 1 tablespoon oil and fajita seasoning, marinate 30 minutes.
- Sauté peppers and onion in remaining oil, set aside.
- Sear steak in batches until browned, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return veggies to pan, toss to combine.
- Serve with tortillas and toppings.
Best Pairings: Chips and guacamole, corn salad, and tangy pickled onions.
20. Miso-Butter Christmas Flat Iron Steak
Why You’ll Love It:
Umami-rich miso butter adds a special savoriness to juicy flat iron steak. It’s a quick but unique take for holiday dinners—rich, salty, and perfect with simply cooked rice or roasted veggies.

Serving size: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1.5 lbs flat iron steak
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
How to Make It:
- Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Sear in hot oil, 5–6 minutes per side.
- Stir miso paste and lemon juice into softened butter.
- Rest steak, then slice and dollop miso butter on top.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Serving Idea: Serve over steamed rice or with sautéed snap peas.
Meal Prep Tip: Miso butter keeps, refrigerated, for up to a week.
FAQ
How do I keep my Christmas steak juicy and tender?
The key is not to overcook your steak. Let it come to room temperature before cooking, use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and always rest your steak at least 5–10 minutes before slicing to preserve the juices.
What’s the best steak cut for a holiday crowd?
Prime rib, ribeye, or sirloin cuts are always crowd-pleasers. For larger groups, roasts or cuts you can slice, like flank or brisket, are economical and can be prepped ahead.
Can I make these steak recipes ahead of time?
Slow-cooked steaks (like brisket or short ribs) and any marinated options are great for prepping ahead. Rested, sliced steak also reheats gently for sandwiches or salads the next day.
What sides go well with Christmas steak?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or festive salads complement steak beautifully. Don’t forget a punchy sauce or herby butter for extra flavor.
Conclusion
A tender, juicy steak on Christmas feels like a quiet celebration, one that invites you to savor the moment and share it with people you love. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting a houseful, these steak recipes are flexible, festive, and full of possibilities—each with its own personality, from classic prime rib to playful fajitas. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors or try new sides alongside your favorite cuts. With a bit of attention, a good sear, and the right finishing touches, you’ll have a Christmas feast worth remembering, one delicious, juicy slice at a time.

