Introduction
Christmas gatherings often evoke images of sumptuous feasts and cherished memories, and what better way to bring those celebrations to life than with a stuffed beef tenderloin? This dish combines the tenderness of beef with a flavorful stuffing, all brought together in a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules, but it also allows for flexibility in flavors and fillings. With some strategic measures, you can create a stunning centerpiece that tastes just as good as it looks, making your Christmas dinner memorable for all.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tenderloin
This is the star of your dish, offering a tender, juicy texture that's perfect for roasting. The cut is lean and provides a rich flavor, making it ideal for a festive occasion. - 1 cup spinach, chopped
Spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor and a vibrant color to your stuffing. It's rich in nutrients, providing both flavor and health benefits. - 1 cup mushrooms, finely diced
Mushrooms contribute an umami richness and meaty texture to the filling. Their moisture helps keep the stuffing tender while providing a depth of flavor. - 1 cup ricotta cheese
Ricotta lends creaminess and helps bind the stuffing together. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the dish a warm, aromatic quality without the need for fresh garlic. - 1 teaspoon salt
Salt brings out the flavors of the ingredients, ensuring that the stuffing is well-seasoned and balanced. It’s essential for seasoning both the meat and the filling. - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the beef and the stuffing. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a salty richness to the stuffing, while also providing a nice crust when baked. It layers additional flavor and complements the other cheeses. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables in the stuffing, adding healthy fats and helping to bring all the flavors together. - Kitchen twine
Though not an ingredient you eat, kitchen twine is essential for tying up the tenderloin after it’s stuffed, ensuring it holds its shape while roasting.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Preheating the oven is crucial for achieving an even cooking temperature. This ensures that your tenderloin starts cooking properly as soon as it is placed inside, which helps retain moisture and achieve the perfect doneness.
Step 2: Prepare the stuffing by heating olive oil in a pan.
Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil is an important step as it releases their flavors. Heat the oil over medium heat before adding the spinach and mushrooms, allowing them to soften and enhance their natural tastes.
Step 3: Add chopped spinach and diced mushrooms to the pan.
Incorporating both spinach and mushrooms now allows them to wilt and cook down, releasing moisture that will be absorbed by the other ingredients. This not only helps to create a flavorful filling but also keeps it from being overly dry.
Step 4: Stir in ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Blending the ricotta and seasonings with the cooked spinach and mushrooms creates a cohesive stuffing mixture full of creaminess and flavor. Ensure everything is well combined, as this ensures uniform taste in every bite.
Step 5: Trim the beef tenderloin and make a pocket for the stuffing.
Preparing the tenderloin involves removing excess fat and creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful to create a deep cavity without piercing the sides, as this ensures the stuffing stays inside while cooking.
Step 6: Stuff the tenderloin with the prepared mixture.
Stuffing the tenderloin requires gentle handling to avoid tearing the beef. Fill the pocket generously with the mixture, allowing room for expansion as it cooks, which adds an appealing texture.
Step 7: Tie the tenderloin with twine to secure the filling.
Securing the tenderloin with kitchen twine is essential for maintaining its shape during roasting. It keeps the stuffing inside while also helping the beef cook evenly, resulting in a beautifully shaped roast.
Step 8: Season the outside of the tenderloin with salt and pepper.
Seasoning the exterior of the beef is crucial for enhancing the meat's flavor during roasting. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper ensures the natural flavors shine through while creating a nice crust.
Step 9: Place the stuffed tenderloin in a roasting pan and bake.
Roasting the tenderloin in a pan allows it to cook evenly in the oven. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; a target temperature of 135°F (57°C) ensures a perfect medium-rare finish.
Step 10: Let the tenderloin rest before slicing.
Resting the meat is a key step, allowing the juices to redistribute for a juicy tenderloin. This makes it easier to slice without losing moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful portions.
Choosing the Right Beef Tenderloin
When selecting a beef tenderloin, look for a good amount of marbling, which enhances flavor and tenderness during cooking. Opt for a piece that feels firm yet has some give; this indicates a quality cut. If possible, choose an organically raised tenderloin for an even richer taste that complements the festive nature of your dinner.
Creative Stuffing Ideas
While this recipe features a delicious spinach and mushroom stuffing, feel free to experiment with other fillers. Consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or even a mix of nuts for added crunch. Adjusting herbs and spices can also provide a unique twist, making every holiday celebration distinct and personalized.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pair your stuffed beef tenderloin with roasted seasonal vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal. A bright green salad with a light vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the beef. For wine lovers, consider a bold red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the richness of the tenderloin beautifully.
FAQs
What if my beef tenderloin is undercooked?
If your tenderloin is undercooked, return it to the oven and continue roasting until it reaches the desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings.
Can I prepare this using a different cut of beef?
You can use a flank steak or sirloin for stuffing if tenderloin isn't available. Just adjust the cooking time, as these cuts will cook quickly and require different handling.
What if my stuffing is too runny?
If your stuffing mixture is too runny, consider adding breadcrumbs or more ricotta to thicken it. Allow it to cool slightly before adjusting, as this will help stabilize the texture.
How can I make the flavors more robust?
To enhance the flavor, add spices such as smoked paprika or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the stuffing. These ingredients create deeper layers of taste.
What should I do if my filling starts to spill out while cooking?
If the filling spills out, gently press it back in and secure the tenderloin with more twine. Monitoring the oven temperature and not overfilling can help prevent this.
Is there a way to speed up the cooking time?
For a quicker cook, cut the tenderloin into smaller portions or butterfly it to reduce cooking time while still maintaining a delicious stuffed flavor.
Conclusion
The Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is a wonderful addition to any holiday feast, impressing both in presentation and flavor. It strikes the perfect balance of being elegant yet not overly complex, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with loved ones.
With the flexibility to personalize the stuffing and sides, this recipe can become a treasured part of your holiday traditions, drawing family and friends together around the table for years to come.
Recipe Card
Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tenderloin
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms finely diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the stuffing by heating olive oil in a pan.
- Add chopped spinach and diced mushrooms to the pan.
- Stir in ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Trim the beef tenderloin and make a pocket for the stuffing.
- Stuff the tenderloin with the prepared mixture.
- Tie the tenderloin with twine to secure the filling.
- Season the outside of the tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Place the stuffed tenderloin in a roasting pan and bake.
- Let the tenderloin rest before slicing.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.