25 Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas for a Crowd

These 25 easy Christmas Eve dinner ideas for a crowd include beef roasts, slow cooker mains, pasta bakes, casseroles and sides that feed a big family without a stressful night in the kitchen.

Christmas Eve dinner for a crowd works best when most of the cooking happens before guests arrive. That means roasts that cook hands-off, slow cooker mains and pasta bakes you build the day before. If you want even more slow cooker options, these crockpot Christmas recipes to feed a crowd are all made for big gatherings.

Pick one main, two sides and a salad, and you have a full dinner. If you want more beef ideas for the week after Christmas, these dump-and-go beef crockpot meals are just as easy.

Here are the recipes.

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EASY CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IDEAS FOR A CROWD

🥩 Christmas Eve Roasts

Showstopper mains that feed a big table.

1. Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast

Beef tenderloin is the easiest showstopper for Christmas Eve. It cooks in under an hour, slices beautifully, and one 5 lb roast feeds 10 to 12 people.

Pull it from the oven at 125°F for medium-rare and rest it for 15 minutes. It keeps cooking while it rests.

Ingredients:

• 5 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 425°F and let the beef sit out for 30 minutes.
2. Mix butter, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper.
3. Rub the herb butter all over the tenderloin.
4. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes until the center reads 125°F.
5. Rest 15 minutes, then slice into 1/2-inch pieces.

2. Beef Tenderloin With Winter Vegetables

The vegetables roast right in the same pan as the beef, so the whole main course comes out of the oven at once. Sage brown butter is spooned over everything at the end.

Start the vegetables 20 minutes before the beef goes in. Root vegetables need more time than the tenderloin.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb beef tenderloin
• 2 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 lb carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup butter
• 10 sage leaves
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 425°F for 20 minutes.
2. Season the beef and nestle it among the vegetables.
3. Roast 35 to 40 minutes until the beef reaches 125°F.
4. Brown butter with sage leaves in a small pan.
5. Slice the beef and spoon sage butter over the platter.

3. Herb Crusted Prime Rib

A standing rib roast covered in a dried herb crust. It’s the classic holiday roast and feeds a big table with very little hands-on work.

Plan about 1 lb bone-in prime rib per person. That covers seconds and leftovers for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 8 lb bone-in prime rib
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp herbes de Provence
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub the roast with salt the night before and refrigerate uncovered.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours before roasting.
3. Mix oil, herbs, garlic and pepper and coat the roast.
4. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes, then lower to 325°F until it reaches 120°F inside.
5. Rest 30 minutes before carving.

4. Horseradish and Herb Prime Rib

A prime rib with a horseradish and herb paste that gives it a sharp, peppery bite. Serve extra horseradish cream on the side.

Make the horseradish cream a day ahead. The flavor mellows and blends overnight.

Ingredients:

• 6 lb boneless prime rib
• 3 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup sour cream (for the sauce)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix 2 tbsp horseradish, mustard, herbs and garlic into a paste.
2. Season the roast with salt and pepper and spread the paste over the top.
3. Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes, then at 325°F until 120°F inside.
4. Mix sour cream with the remaining horseradish for the sauce.
5. Rest 20 minutes and slice.

5. Juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast

A whole turkey breast that cooks in the slow cooker while you get everything else ready. It’s a smaller, easier option than a whole bird.

Broil the cooked breast for 3 to 4 minutes to crisp the skin. The slow cooker leaves it soft.

Ingredients:

• 6 lb bone-in turkey breast
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Place onion and broth in the crockpot.
2. Mix butter and seasonings and rub over the turkey breast.
3. Set the breast on the onions, skin side up.
4. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours until it reaches 165°F.
5. Broil for 3 minutes to crisp the skin, then rest and slice.

6. One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes (36g Protein)

Chicken thighs and potatoes roast together on one big sheet pan. It scales up easily, so you can make two pans for a crowd.

Leave space between the pieces. Crowded pans steam instead of browning.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb bone-in chicken thighs
• 3 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
2. Toss potatoes and onion with half the oil and spread on a sheet pan.
3. Rub chicken with the rest of the oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Set chicken on top of the potatoes with lemon slices.
5. Roast 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken reaches 175°F.

🍲 Slow Cooker Christmas Eve Dinners

Set it in the morning and spend the afternoon with family.

7. Tender Crockpot Pot Roast

A classic pot roast with carrots and potatoes that falls apart with a fork. Start it in the morning and dinner is ready by evening.

Sear the roast on all sides before it goes in the crockpot. It makes a big difference in flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb beef chuck roast
• 2 lb potatoes, chunked
• 1 lb carrots
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Sear the roast in oil until browned on all sides.
2. Place potatoes, carrots and onion in the crockpot.
3. Set the roast on top.
4. Mix broth, Worcestershire and soup mix and pour over.
5. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours, then shred and serve with the vegetables.

8. Crock Pot Beef Brisket

Brisket slow cooks in a sweet and tangy sauce until it slices like butter. It feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

Slice the brisket against the grain. It’s the difference between tender and chewy slices.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb beef brisket
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 onion, sliced

Instructions:

1. Rub the brisket with paprika, garlic powder and brown sugar.
2. Place onions in the crockpot and the brisket on top.
3. Pour broth and barbecue sauce over it.
4. Cook on LOW 9 to 10 hours.
5. Rest 15 minutes, slice against the grain and spoon the sauce over.

9. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Hearty beef stew with potatoes and carrots, made with inexpensive stew meat. Serve it in bowls with bread for a cozy Christmas Eve.

Toss the beef in flour before browning. It thickens the stew as it cooks.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb beef stew meat
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 lb potatoes
• 1 lb carrots
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Toss beef with flour, salt and pepper and brown in batches.
2. Add beef, potatoes, carrots and onion to the crockpot.
3. Whisk broth, tomato paste and thyme and pour in.
4. Cook on LOW 8 hours.
5. Season and serve with crusty bread.

10. Classic Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie

Ground beef and vegetables in gravy, topped with mashed potatoes, all made in the slow cooker. It’s a full meal in one pot.

Use leftover or store-bought mashed potatoes to save time. Nobody will notice.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 6 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Brown beef and onion, then drain.
2. Stir in broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire and vegetables.
3. Spread the beef mixture in the crockpot.
4. Spread mashed potatoes on top and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Cook on LOW 4 to 5 hours.

11. Crockpot Cranberry Chicken (35g Protein)

Chicken simmers in a cranberry and onion glaze that’s sweet, tangy and very Christmas. It pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes.

Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for a crowd. They stay juicy even if dinner runs late.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup Catalina or French dressing
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Mix cranberry sauce, dressing, soup mix and garlic powder.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Cook on LOW 6 hours.
5. Serve over rice with the sauce spooned on top.

12. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes (34g Protein)

Chicken and baby potatoes cook in garlic butter until tender. It’s an all-in-one main that kids and grownups both like.

Put the potatoes on the bottom. They need the most heat and will cook through in the liquid.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 2 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes to the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Place chicken on top.
3. Mix butter, garlic, Italian seasoning and broth and pour over.
4. Cook on LOW 6 hours.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

13. Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs

The famous sweet and tangy party meatballs, made with frozen all-beef meatballs. Serve them as a main over rice or keep them warm for grazing.

Read the label and buy all-beef meatballs. They hold up best during the long cook.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb frozen all-beef meatballs
• 1 jar (30 oz) grape jelly
• 1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce or chili sauce

Instructions:

1. Add the frozen meatballs to the crockpot.
2. Whisk jelly and sauce together.
3. Pour over the meatballs and stir.
4. Cook on LOW 4 to 5 hours, stirring once or twice.
5. Switch to WARM for serving.

14. 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs

A Christmas spin on party meatballs, with cranberry sauce in place of grape jelly. They’re a festive red and taste a little more tart.

Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes as dinner. One batch works both ways.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb frozen all-beef meatballs
• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce
• 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce

Instructions:

1. Put meatballs in the crockpot.
2. Whisk cranberry sauce and chili sauce until smooth.
3. Pour over the meatballs.
4. Cook on LOW 4 hours.
5. Keep warm until serving.

🍝 Pasta Bakes and Casseroles for a Crowd

Make-ahead pans that serve 10 to 12 people each.

15. Baked Ziti for a Crowd

Baked ziti is the easiest way to feed a big group. One large pan serves 12 people, and it can be built the day before.

Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes. It finishes cooking in the oven and won’t turn mushy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb ziti
• 2 lb ground beef
• 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara
• 15 oz ricotta
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup Parmesan
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook the ziti 2 minutes short of the package time and drain.
2. Brown the beef and stir in the marinara.
3. Mix ricotta, eggs, Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
4. Layer pasta, ricotta mix, meat sauce and mozzarella in a large pan.
5. Bake covered at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15.

16. Lasagna Stuffed Shells

Jumbo shells filled with lasagna flavors (ricotta, beef sauce and mozzarella). They’re portioned already, which makes serving a crowd easy.

Fill the shells with a zip bag with the corner snipped. It’s much faster than a spoon.

Ingredients:

• 36 jumbo pasta shells
• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara
• 30 oz ricotta
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook shells until al dente and drain.
2. Brown beef and stir in half the marinara.
3. Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley and 1 cup mozzarella.
4. Fill each shell and arrange on a layer of sauce in a pan.
5. Top with remaining sauce and cheese and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

17. Chicken Alfredo Bake (33g Protein)

Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta baked under a layer of melted cheese. It’s comfort food that both kids and adults go back for.

Save a cup of pasta water before draining. Stir it in if the sauce gets too thick.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb penne
• 2 lb cooked chicken, chopped
• 2 jars (15 oz each) Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Parmesan
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Cook penne until al dente and drain.
2. Mix pasta, chicken, broccoli, Alfredo sauce and milk.
3. Spread into a large baking dish.
4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly.

18. Ground Beef Stroganoff

A creamy stroganoff made with ground beef and mushrooms, served over egg noodles. It’s cheap to make in a big batch and comes together in 30 minutes.

Stir the sour cream in off the heat. Boiling it makes the sauce split.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb ground beef
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1.5 cups sour cream
• 2 lb egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with onion and mushrooms.
2. Stir in garlic and flour and cook 1 minute.
3. Add broth and simmer until thickened.
4. Take off the heat and stir in sour cream.
5. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

19. Chicken Enchilada Crescent Bake (25g Protein)

Crescent rolls wrap around a cheesy chicken enchilada filling and bake into a golden casserole. It’s a fun change from the usual Christmas Eve roast.

Use rotisserie chicken to cut the prep time to 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cans crescent rolls
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 can green chiles

Instructions:

1. Mix chicken, cream cheese, green chiles and 1 cup cheese.
2. Unroll crescents and fill each with the chicken mixture.
3. Roll up and place in a baking dish.
4. Pour enchilada sauce over and top with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

20. Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole (28g Protein)

Layers of tortillas, chicken and a creamy sour cream sauce baked into an easy casserole. It’s mild, so it works for kids and picky eaters.

Build it the night before and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time straight from the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can green chiles
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Mix sour cream, soup, chiles and cumin.
2. Stir half the sauce into the chicken.
3. Layer tortillas, chicken and cheese in a 9×13 pan.
4. Spread the rest of the sauce on top and finish with cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

🥗 Christmas Eve Sides and Salads

Easy sides to round out the meal.

21. Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet glazed carrots that pair with every main on this list. They take 20 minutes on the stove.

Cut the carrots on a diagonal so they look nicer on a holiday platter.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb carrots, sliced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. Boil carrots for 6 to 8 minutes until just tender and drain.
2. Melt butter, brown sugar and honey in the pan.
3. Return the carrots and toss to coat.
4. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until glazed.
5. Garnish with parsley.

22. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

The classic green bean casserole with extra cheese stirred in. It’s a side most families expect on the holiday table.

Add the crispy onions in the last 5 minutes of baking. They burn if they go in at the start.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb green beans, trimmed and blanched
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 cups crispy fried onions

Instructions:

1. Mix soup, milk, garlic powder and 1 cup cheese.
2. Stir in the green beans.
3. Spread in a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
5. Add the fried onions and bake 5 more minutes.

23. Potato, Carrot and Green Bean Casserole

Potatoes, carrots, onions and green beans bake together in a creamy sauce. It’s a hearty vegetable side that fills out a crowd dinner.

Slice the potatoes thin so they cook in the same time as the other vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 lb carrots, sliced
• 1 lb green beans
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Salt, pepper and garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Layer potatoes, carrots, green beans and onion in a baking dish.
2. Season each layer with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
3. Pour cream over everything.
4. Top with cheese and cover with foil.
5. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, then uncover for 15 minutes.

24. Pomegranate Christmas Salad

A green salad with pomegranate, apples and candied nuts in a pink poppyseed dressing. It cuts through all the rich mains.

Toss the dressing in right at the table. Dressed greens wilt within 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 apples, sliced
• 1 cup candied pecans
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/2 cup poppyseed dressing

Instructions:

1. Add greens to a large serving bowl.
2. Top with apples, pomegranate, pecans and feta.
3. Keep the dressing on the side.
4. Toss with dressing right before serving.

25. Christmas Salad With Pears and Pomegranate

Sliced pears, pomegranate and goat cheese over greens with a light vinaigrette. It’s a fresh, pretty salad for the holiday table.

Use ripe but firm pears. Soft pears fall apart when tossed.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups spring mix
• 3 pears, sliced
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar and honey.
2. Arrange greens on a platter.
3. Top with pears, pomegranate, walnuts and goat cheese.
4. Drizzle the dressing right before serving.

Choose one roast or slow cooker main, a pasta bake for the kids and two sides, and Christmas Eve dinner is covered.