She Strengthens

Impressive Standing Rib Roast for a Memorable Christmas Dinner

A show-stopping standing rib roast is within reach for your Christmas dinner or special occasion. With a simple yet flavorful preparation the night before, you’ll be rewarded with a tender, juicy roast accompanied by a rich red wine sauce and crunchy popovers. Plus, transform any leftovers into delectable Roast Beef and Caramelized Onion Sliders.

Preparation and Timing

Before you begin, note that this recipe requires kitchen twine and some planning ahead. Allow 1 hour for seasoning, and then 2 to 2 1/4 hours for roasting. For the best results, season the roast overnight.

Yield and Difficulty

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and has a medium level of difficulty. With a total preparation and cooking time of 4 hours, plus overnight seasoning, you’ll be well-rewarded for your effort.

Ingredients

For the beef:

• 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (3-bone) standing beef rib roast (about 6 to 8 pounds)

For the sauce:

• 1 pound cremini mushrooms
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick), cut into 4 pieces and at room temperature
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Seasoning the Beef

Mix all the measured ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Cut two 24-inch-long pieces of kitchen twine and set aside. Rinse the roast under cold water, pat it dry, and place it on a cutting board. Following the line of the bones, cut the meat away from the bones in one piece. Rub the meat all over with the horseradish mixture, then fit it back onto the bones, matching the original position. Tie the meat onto the bones using one piece of twine in between each bone. Place the roast fat-side up on a large plate or baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered overnight.

Roasting and Sauce Preparation

Remove the roast from the refrigerator and place it fat-side up in a roasting pan. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 450°F and arrange a rack in the lower third. Roast the beef for 45 minutes.

Adding Aromatics and Finishing the Roast

Trim the stems from the mushrooms and cut them in half; set aside. Peel and cut the onion into eighths through the root end; set aside. Remove the roasting pan from the oven and scatter the mushrooms, onions, and rosemary around the roast. Stir to coat them in the drippings and spread them into an even layer. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and roast for 45 minutes. Stir the vegetables and continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the roast registers 125°F for medium rare, about 30 to 45 minutes more.

Making the Red Wine Sauce

Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables and rosemary from the roasting pan to a medium bowl; set aside. Pour the roast drippings into a small heatproof bowl and discard when cooled. Place the roasting pan across 2 stovetop burners over medium heat. Return the vegetables and rosemary to the roasting pan, add the wine, and cook, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the wine is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high, add the beef broth, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half, about 5 minutes.

Finishing Touches

Pour the vegetable mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the contents of the strainer. Place the frying pan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and swirl in the butter 1 piece at a time, making sure each piece is completely melted before adding the next. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the twine and bones from the roast, slice it, and serve with the sauce.