Introduction

The holiday season brings families together, and what better way to celebrate than with a beautifully prepared beef tenderloin? Filled with rich flavors and textures, a stuffed beef tenderloin is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. This dish serves as both a centerpiece and a heartfelt offering, showcasing not only culinary skill but also love and care.

Stuffed with a sumptuous blend of ingredients, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and earthy notes to create a festive flavor explosion. As you prepare your meal, the enticing aroma will fill your home, bringing an unmistakable Christmas spirit. Let’s embark on this culinary journey to make a Christmas dinner that will be cherished for years to come.

Ingredients

2.5 lbs beef tenderloin
The star of the dish, beef tenderloin is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It provides a perfect canvas for stuffing, ensuring that every bite is juicy and satisfying.
1 cup chopped mushrooms
Mushrooms add depth and earthiness to the stuffing. Their umami flavor complements the beef beautifully, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
1 cup spinach, fresh
Fresh spinach contributes a vibrant color and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the meat and the stuffing. It also adds essential nutrients to the dish.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
These add a sweet and tangy flavor, elevating the stuffing with a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef.
1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
Goat cheese brings a creamy and tangy flavor, contributing to a luxurious texture that melds the stuffing ingredients together.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is essential for aromatic depth, providing a fragrant background that enhances all the flavors within the dish.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Thyme infuses a warm, herbal note that complements the beef and stuffing, adding complexity to every bite.
Salt, to taste
Salt not only enhances flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat during the cooking process.
Black pepper, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper adds a layer of spice and warmth, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
Olive oil, for searing
Olive oil is used for searing the beef, promoting a beautiful browning and flavor development while keeping the meat moist.
1/2 cup beef broth
Beef broth enhances the overall flavor during roasting and helps keep the meat juicy, while also providing liquid for drizzling over the finished dish.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the beef tenderloin by trimming excess fat and tying it with kitchen twine.

Trimming the beef tenderloin not only improves its appearance but also ensures even cooking. Tying the meat helps maintain its shape while roasting, allowing for uniform cooking and better presentation. Use twine to tie the roast every 1-2 inches for evenness.

Step 2: Sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until tender.

Sautéing the mushrooms releases their moisture and intensifies their flavor. This step also lightly cooks the garlic, activating its aromatic qualities while preventing bitterness that can arise from raw garlic.

Step 3: Add spinach to the sautéed mushrooms and cook until wilted.

Cooking the spinach reduces its volume and enhances its flavor, allowing it to meld with the mushrooms. This step ensures that the stuffing has the right consistency and won’t release excess moisture when baked.

Step 4: Mix cooked mushroom and spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Combining the ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the stuffing. Goat cheese melts beautifully, providing a rich and creamy texture that binds all components together.

Step 5: Stuff the beef tenderloin with the mixture and tie closed.

Stuffing the tenderloin ensures each slice reveals a beautiful medley of flavors and textures. Make sure not to overfill, as this can lead to spillage during cooking. Tying it closed secures the filling in place.

Step 6: Sear the stuffed tenderloin in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides.

Searing develops a rich, brown crust on the meat, enhancing flavor through the Maillard reaction. This step seals in juices, ensuring that the meat stays tender and moist while baking.

Step 7: Transfer the tenderloin to a baking dish and pour beef broth around it.

Adding beef broth to the baking dish provides moisture during roasting, helping to baste the meat and keeping it juicy. It also creates a flavorful sauce that can be served alongside the beef.

Step 8: Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure the precise doneness of the beef. Roasting at this temperature allows for a perfectly tender and juicy beef tenderloin, while carryover cooking will increase the temperature slightly after it's removed from the oven.

Step 9: Let the beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Resting is a crucial step that allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slicing too soon can lead to a dry roast, while a proper resting period ensures each piece remains moist and flavorful.

Step 10: Slice the tenderloin and serve it with the pan juices.

Slicing the tenderloin reveals the beautiful stuffing and keeps each portion easy to serve. Drizzling the pan juices over the slices elevates the dish further, enhancing flavors while providing an elegant presentation.

Best Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin step photo

Combining Flavors for Festive Appeal

Crafting the perfect stuffing is an art that brings together various textures and flavors. The savory earthiness of mushrooms perfectly complements the tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, while the creaminess of goat cheese ties it all together. This medley not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates a visually stunning centerpiece that will have guests reaching for seconds.

Choosing the Right Cuts of Beef

Selecting a high-quality tenderloin is essential for this dish. Look for evenly shaped pieces with a bright red color and minimal fat. A prime cut will yield the best tenderness and flavor. While some may opt for filet mignon, the tenderloin offers an impressive presentation, making it ideal for special occasions like Christmas.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate the Dish

Pairing the stuffed beef tenderloin with accompaniments can further enhance its appeal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh winter salad. A robust red wine complements the flavors beautifully, enriching the overall dining experience and making this meal unforgettable.

FAQs

What can I do if my beef tenderloin is too tough?

If your beef tenderloin turns out tough, it's likely due to overcooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For tender results, aim for medium-rare.

Is there a non-dairy substitution for goat cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a similar creaminess and flavor.

What if the stuffing mixture seems too dry?

If the stuffing feels too dry, consider adding a bit more olive oil or a splash of beef broth to achieve the desired moisture content before stuffing.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply increase the amount of beef and stuffing ingredients proportionately. Make sure to adjust cooking times based on the size of the tenderloin.

How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to determine doneness. For medium-rare, look for 130°F (54°C) internal temperature. Remember, it will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

What can I do if my beef isn’t browning well during searing?

If your beef isn’t browning properly, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing.

Conclusion

Creating a stuffed beef tenderloin for Christmas is more than just cooking; it's about bringing loved ones together around a shared meal. Each element of this dish comes together to tell a story of warmth and celebration, filling your home with joyous aromas.

As you serve this elegant dish, don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the smiles and compliments from your family and friends. Cherish the memories made over the dinner table, and remember that sharing food is one of the most wonderful aspects of the holiday season.

Recipe Card

Print Pin