6 Tips for a Stress-Free Beefy Holiday
rashanda cOBBINS
The countdown to the holidays is on - and the season can bring nervousness around meals turning out perfect. Beating the crowd, shopping that never-ending grocery list, selecting a menu with something for everyone and cooking beef perfectly can be worrisome. But don’t fret! With these tips from the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.® team, beef will be undeniably delicious as the centerpiece of your holiday dinner table.
- Test recipes in advance. Find and save trusted recipes you’ve tried and loved throughout the year. This way you’re not experimenting during the holidays or stressing if the recipe will turn out. If you’re still wavering, don’t forget to add those tried-and-true holiday classics.
- Buy enough beef. And no, we’re not just saying that because we’re partial to beef. ‘How much beef should I buy for my party?’ is a common question we get year-round. For bone-in prime-rib roasts, a general rule of thumb is to purchase roasts with 1 rib for every 2 people. For boneless cuts, allow 8 ounces of uncooked beef per person.
- Order ahead. Don’t leave your main dish up to chance. During the holiday season, popular cuts like Prime Rib Roast and Tenderloin can sell out quickly. Local meat counters and specialty butchers often welcome ordering ahead for ease. Don’t be afraid to chat with them and ask about money-saving tips around alternative cuts that feed a crowd – there are plenty of lesser-known cuts with amazing beef flavor!
- Preparation is key! Or as we say in the kitchen, ‘mise-en -place’ (French for everything in its place). Beef’s versatility shines during the holidays, so create a to-do list, prep recipe ingredients, tie the roast and prepare tasty sauces and side dishes ahead of time. It’s the key to spending more time with family and friends, and less time in the kitchen.
- Store and thaw beef correctly. Understanding beef safety may not be popular but it’s necessary. Safely handling beef, cooking properly, checking doneness with a meat thermometer, and storing leftovers correctly gives you peace of mind and helps ensure a great celebration with perfectly cooked beef.
- Beef Up Leftovers! Don’t let holiday leftovers sit in the refrigerator day after day. Transform them, and repurpose with pantry staples for an extraordinary meal, so nothing goes to waste. Add leftover steak to day-old rice for Beef and Collard Green Fried Rice or chop up leftover prime rib to use in Prime Rib Pasta with Broccoli and Cheese.
Need more holiday inspiration? Visit our YouTube channel for beef tutorials. For more recipes and holiday readiness tips this season, visit our Holiday Hub.
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