This Christmas stuffed beef tenderloin is the ultimate holiday main dish, combining tender, juicy beef with a flavorful herb stuffing that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or preparing a special meal for your family, this elegant dish brings both flavor and sophistication to your holiday table. Perfect for creating lasting memories around the dinner table this season!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 lb) beef tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red onion, sautéing until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, thyme, and rosemary. Set aside.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly the beef tenderloin by slicing it down the center, without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff the beef with the breadcrumb mixture, then tie it up with kitchen twine to hold the stuffing in place.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add the beef broth and butter to the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes for medium-rare, or until the desired doneness is achieved.
- Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with the pan juices and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 350 per serving | Servings: 6
History and Origin of Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin, often considered one of the finest cuts of beef, has a rich history that dates back centuries. Known for its tenderness and mild flavor, it is often reserved for special occasions and celebrations. In European cuisine, particularly in French and British traditions, beef tenderloin has been a classic choice for festive dinners and feasts. It is often paired with luxurious ingredients like mushrooms, herbs, or foie gras, which complement its rich, buttery texture.
Stuffed beef tenderloin, as seen in this recipe, adds an extra layer of flavor and elegance. The stuffing can vary based on regional preferences and seasonal ingredients, but the combination of savory herbs, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan in this version makes it an ideal dish for holiday gatherings.
Why This Dish is Perfect for the Holidays
Christmas is a time for indulgence, family, and exceptional meals, and nothing says “festive” quite like a well-prepared beef tenderloin. This dish, with its tender meat and flavorful stuffing, makes an impressive centerpiece for your holiday dinner. The stuffing itself adds complexity with fresh herbs, spinach, and Parmesan, balancing the richness of the beef.
The recipe is also versatile: you can customize the stuffing by adding ingredients like mushrooms, nuts, or dried fruits, depending on your preference. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a tangy gravy, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Tips for Perfect Beef Tenderloin
- Choosing the Right Cut: Make sure to buy high-quality beef tenderloin. A whole tenderloin is preferable because it allows you to control the thickness and consistency of the roast. If you’re unsure how to trim the tenderloin, ask your butcher to do it for you.
- Butterflying the Beef: When butterflying the beef, take care not to cut all the way through. The goal is to create a large, even surface where you can spread the stuffing.
- Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with the stuffing. Some variations include adding wild mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a touch of bacon for extra flavor.
- Searing Before Roasting: Searing the beef before roasting is essential. It helps create a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
- Resting Time: Once the beef is out of the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful roast.
Pairing Suggestions
This stuffed beef tenderloin pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Here are some suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or a rich potato gratin complements the richness of the beef.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a colorful and healthy accompaniment.
- Red Wine Gravy: A rich red wine gravy made with the pan drippings enhances the flavors of the beef and adds a touch of elegance.
- Fresh Salad: A light salad with arugula, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the meal.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
To serve, carefully slice the beef into 1-inch thick portions. Serve it on a large platter with your favorite sides arranged around the beef. Garnish with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an extra festive touch. This dish not only tastes amazing but also makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on your holiday table.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re hosting a big holiday dinner, this recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the beef tenderloin and stuff it the day before, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting for even cooking. This will save you time on the day of your event and reduce stress in the kitchen.
Cooking and Preparing Beef Tenderloin: Tips for Success
1. Butterflying the Beef Tenderloin
Butterflying is a technique where you cut the beef tenderloin horizontally down the middle (without cutting all the way through) to create an even surface for stuffing. It ensures that the stuffing stays inside the meat during cooking and helps the beef cook more evenly. If you’re unsure about butterflying the tenderloin yourself, your butcher can often do this for you. Be careful not to slice too deep into the meat, and if necessary, you can use kitchen twine to secure the beef after stuffing.
2. Searing Before Roasting
One of the key steps in achieving a perfect beef tenderloin is searing it in a hot pan before roasting. This caramelizes the outside, locking in the juices and creating a beautifully browned crust. Searing for 2-3 minutes on each side is enough to get a nice golden brown. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential for adding flavor and texture.
3. Oven Roasting
After searing, transfer the beef to the oven to roast. The high-heat oven ensures that the beef cooks through to a perfect medium-rare or medium (depending on your preference). Make sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature—aim for 120°F (49°C) for rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, and 140°F (60°C) for medium.
4. Resting the Meat
After removing the beef from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that each slice is juicy and tender. Cutting too soon will cause the juices to run out, leading to a drier piece of meat.
Pairing Suggestions
The Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice to complement the rich beef. Try adding roasted garlic or a hint of Parmesan to elevate the flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips are perfect for adding color and texture to the plate.
- Gravy or Sauce: A rich red wine sauce, horseradish cream, or even a balsamic glaze can take your beef tenderloin to the next level.
- Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.
Variations to Try
While the traditional stuffing of spinach, garlic, and Parmesan is delicious, you can easily customize the stuffing to suit your tastes or seasonal ingredients. Here are some variations:
- Mushroom and Thyme Stuffing: Replace the spinach with finely chopped mushrooms, adding depth of flavor with thyme and a touch of cream for richness.
- Nutty Cranberry Stuffing: Add chopped walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries to the stuffing for a sweet and savory twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Stuffing: For a bolder flavor, swap in crumbled blue cheese and caramelized onions, which will melt into the beef and create a mouthwatering stuffing.
Why Beef Tenderloin Makes the Perfect Holiday Meal
Beef tenderloin is known for its tenderness, which makes it a popular choice for holiday feasts where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The mild flavor of the beef allows the stuffing to shine, and because it’s a lean cut, it’s not overly fatty, making it a more refined choice for a festive meal.
Moreover, the presentation of a whole stuffed beef tenderloin on a platter is both stunning and dramatic. It’s a showstopper that can easily become the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, beef tenderloin stores well in the fridge. Slice the leftover beef thinly for sandwiches or serve it cold on a charcuterie board. You can also reheat it gently in the oven, though for the best texture, it’s recommended to eat the beef the same day it’s prepared.
Conclusion
The Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is the ideal dish to make your holiday gathering memorable. With its tender, juicy beef and savory stuffing of herbs, spinach, and Parmesan, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that will impress your guests.
By following a few simple steps—like butterflying the tenderloin, searing it for a perfect crust, and roasting it to the desired doneness—you’ll create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich gravy, and you have a festive meal everyone will love.
This dish combines flavor, sophistication, and holiday cheer, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas table.