• A beef roast can make Christmas dinner memorable.piece of beef meat image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Christmas is among the most festive of holidays, and Christmas dinner is the most important meal many people will prepare all year. Thanksgiving calls for a turkey feast, and Easter often features ham, while beef is frequently the highlight of Christmas dinner. Make the meal as joyful as the holiday by preparing beef in a savory, celebratory fashion.
  
  

Beef Wellington

• This delectable dish, a beef tenderloin roast wrapped in puff pastry, was named after the first Duke of Wellington around 1815. It can be prepared in a number of ways. Spread the puff pastry with goose liver pate, which you can buy at your local deli or use the canned variety. The duke preferred his roast served with truffles, but chopped mushrooms will do if your budget doesn't allow for the pricier option. To save time, use ready-made puff pastry from the grocery store rather than making your own. Make a sauce of red wine and beef drippings to serve alongside your Wellington. Accompany it with mashed potatoes and a medley of green and red vegetables.
  
  

Filet Mignon

• This melt-in-your-mouth cut of steak is a hit at special occasions where dinner revolves around a beef dish. It's pricey, but its versatility makes it a favorite for Christmas dinner. A perfectly grilled filet mignon paired with a chopped salad featuring red tomatoes and green papers makes a simple, delicious and festive meal. For a traditional presentation, wrap the steak in bacon and pan fry. Accompany it with root vegetables. Drizzle with red wine sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles. Or serve it with balsamic syrup and melted goat cheese on top. Nothing spoils filet mignon more than overcooking, so test the meat to be sure it is not getting overdone. Be sure to buy filets that are red in color with no sign of gray.
  
  

Rib Roast and Yorkshire Pudding

• A beef rib roast with Yorkshire pudding is perhaps the most traditional beef dish to serve at Christmas dinner. It looks impressive but is easy to prepare. Roasting the beef at a low temperature gives you time to enjoy the festivities without being tied to the kitchen. When the beef is finished, whip up the Yorkshire pudding, which is not really pudding but a popover. Bake the pudding in a muffin pan and serve beside the roast, accompanied by horseradish sauce.