This stuffed beef tenderloin is a fancy dish that’s surprisingly simple! Filled with tasty ingredients like spinach, cheese, and spices, it’s sure to impress anyone.
Cooking this dish makes me feel like a chef in a restaurant! I love serving it with mashed potatoes. It’s so tender and delicious, you’ll want to make it for every special occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tenderloin: This is the star ingredient! Look for a nicely marbled piece for extra flavor. If you can’t find it, a flank steak or sirloin can work as an alternative, though they may not be as tender.
Bacon: Bacon adds a nice smoky flavor to the filling. You can substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, try sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu instead.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor. If you want a milder taste, button mushrooms are good too. For a different flavor, shiitake mushrooms can be a great addition.
Cheese: I prefer goat cheese for its tanginess, but cream cheese works well too, giving a creamy texture. Feel free to swap it with feta or even mozzarella for a fun twist!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add a burst of flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can work; just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Properly Butterfly a Beef Tenderloin?
Butterflying the beef tenderloin makes it easier to stuff and roll. Here’s how you do it:
- Place the tenderloin on a cutting board with the narrow end facing you.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the tenderloin, stopping just before you cut all the way through.
- Open the meat like a book, and then pound it gently with a meat mallet until it’s an even thickness (about 1 inch).
Taking your time with this step ensures that the tenderloin cooks evenly. Plus, it gives you more space to pack in all that tasty stuffing!
What’s the Best Way to Tie Up My Stuffed Tenderloin?
Tying your beef tenderloin keeps everything neatly together while it cooks. Here’s my favorite method:
- Cut a length of kitchen twine about 4 feet long.
- Place the tenderloin seam-side down. Start by tying one end of the twine around one end of the roll, making a knot.
- Space out the ties about 1-2 inches apart and tie another knot around the tenderloin. Repeat until you reach the other end.
- Finish with a knot at the end and trim any excess twine.
This technique helps maintain the shape and ensures that the delicious filling stays inside while cooking! Plus, it makes for prettier slices when you cut into it.
Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 1 (2 to 3-pound) beef tenderloin, trimmed and butterflied
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces bacon, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese or cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
For Assembly:
- Kitchen twine, for tying the tenderloin
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful stuffed beef tenderloin takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. Add a 10-minute resting period, and you’ll have an elegant dish ready in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for roasting your tenderloin once you’ve filled and rolled it.
2. Prepare the Tenderloin:
Place the butterflied beef tenderloin flat on a cutting board. Carefully slice horizontally into the tenderloin, almost all the way through. Open it like a book, then pound it gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Once that’s done, season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the yummy bacon fat in the pan.
4. Sauté Your Vegetables:
Add the chopped mushrooms and onion to the same skillet. Sauté them until they’re softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute until it smells amazing. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Mix in the Spinach and Cheese:
Stir the chopped spinach and cooked bacon into the mushroom mixture. Allow it to cool a little, then blend in the goat cheese or cream cheese until well combined.
6. Spread the Filling:
Spread the delicious filling evenly over the surface of the flattened tenderloin, leaving about 1 inch of space on all the edges so you can roll it properly.
7. Roll Up the Tenderloin:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the tenderloin tightly into a log shape, encasing the filling inside.
8. Tie the Roll:
Use kitchen twine to tie the rolled tenderloin securely at 1-2 inch intervals. This keeps everything in place while it cooks.
9. Sear the Tenderloin:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until it’s nicely browned—about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Roast in the Oven:
Now, transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for a perfect medium-rare.
11. Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the beef rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy tenderloin!
12. Slice and Serve:
Remove the twine carefully and slice your tenderloin into thick rounds. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy this elegant and flavorful stuffed beef tenderloin that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! If beef tenderloin isn’t available, you can substitute it with flank steak or sirloin. Keep in mind that they might not be as tender, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the stuffing and assemble the tenderloin a day ahead. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature before searing.
How Do I Know When the Beef is Done Cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). If you prefer it cooked a bit more, aim for 140°F (60°C) for medium.
What Sides Pair Well with Stuffed Beef Tenderloin?
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. A nice red wine sauce can also enhance the meal!
