A luxurious and romantic dish featuring tender beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a rich mushroom duxelles. Beef Wellington is the ultimate showstopper, perfect for an unforgettable Valentine’s dinner or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and gourmet – A fine dining experience at home.
- Flaky and flavorful – Buttery puff pastry encases perfectly cooked beef.
- Rich mushroom duxelles – Adds depth and earthiness to every bite.
- Perfect for special occasions – Ideal for date nights, holidays, or celebrations.
- Surprisingly simple – With step-by-step instructions, anyone can make this classic dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef tenderloin
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Mushrooms, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Dijon mustard
- Puff pastry, thawed
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove from heat and let cool. Brush with Dijon mustard.
- Make the Duxelles – In the same skillet, add finely chopped mushrooms and garlic. Cook over medium heat until all moisture has evaporated and the mixture is dry. Season with salt and pepper, then let cool.
- Assemble – Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the wrap. Place the beef on top and roll tightly using the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to hold its shape.
- Wrap in Puff Pastry – Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Remove the beef from the plastic wrap and place it in the center of the pastry. Wrap the pastry around the beef, sealing the edges. Brush with beaten egg for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake – Place the wrapped beef seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Let the Beef Wellington rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve – Slice into thick medallions and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for an elegant meal.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Variations
- Herb crusted – Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the mushroom mixture for extra flavor.
- Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free puff pastry for a wheat-free version.
- Different proteins – Try this recipe with chicken or salmon for a unique twist.
- Add a sauce – Serve with red wine reduction or a creamy mustard sauce for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked Beef Wellington and bake it straight from frozen. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Beef Wellington?
Beef tenderloin is ideal because it’s tender and cooks evenly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Wellington up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
Do I need to use Dijon mustard?
Dijon adds great flavor, but you can substitute with whole grain mustard or skip it if needed.
How do I keep the bottom of the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure the mushroom duxelles is completely dry before assembling, and bake the Wellington on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
What can I serve with Beef Wellington?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, asparagus, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using.
What’s the best way to get a crispy, golden crust?
Brush the pastry with an even layer of egg wash before baking.
How do I know when the beef is cooked perfectly?
Use a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Substitute the beef with a large portobello mushroom or a plant-based meat alternative.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, checking for doneness.
Conclusion
Beef Wellington is the perfect dish for a romantic dinner or special celebration. With its flaky puff pastry, tender beef, and rich mushroom filling, this elegant meal is sure to impress. Try it today and bring gourmet dining to your own kitchen!
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Beef Wellington
This Beef Wellington is a showstopping dish featuring tender beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a rich mushroom duxelles. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, holidays, or an elegant date night, this gourmet classic is surprisingly easy to make at home. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a luxurious meal!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
For the Beef Wellington:
- 1 beef tenderloin (about 12 oz)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Mushroom Duxelles:
- 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 2 minutes per side). Remove from heat and brush with Dijon mustard. Let cool.
2️⃣ Make the Mushroom Duxelles – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms and garlic over medium heat until all moisture evaporates (5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper, then let cool.
3️⃣ Assemble the Wellington – Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over it. Place the beef on top and roll tightly using the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to hold its shape.
4️⃣ Wrap in Puff Pastry – Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Remove beef from plastic wrap and place it in the center. Wrap the pastry around the beef, sealing the edges. Brush with egg wash for a golden, crispy finish.
5️⃣ Bake – Place the wrapped beef seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef reaches:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
6️⃣ Rest & Serve – Let Beef Wellington rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
✔ Herb Crusted – Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the mushroom mixture for extra depth.
✔ Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free puff pastry for a wheat-free version.
✔ Alternative Proteins – Try this recipe with chicken or salmon for a unique twist.
✔ Add a Sauce – Serve with a red wine reduction or creamy mustard sauce for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French, British
- Diet: Gluten Free