Beef Wellington Recipe for Juicy, Elegant Dinner

Beef Wellington is a classic, show-stopping dish ideal for special occasions. Featuring a tender beef tenderloin wrapped in a savory mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and golden puff pastry, this dish impresses both in taste and presentation. Mastering Beef Wellington at home is easier than you think with careful preparation and attention to technique.

The Secret Behind Perfect Beef Wellington

The key to a successful Beef Wellington is balancing tender, juicy beef with crispy, flavorful pastry. Coating the beef in Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang while the prosciutto and mushroom duxelles keep the meat moist. Wrapping everything in puff pastry seals in juices, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender and full of flavor.

Ingredients List

For the Beef Wellington:

2 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
2 shallots, minced
2 tablespoons butter
6–8 slices prosciutto
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg yolk, beaten for egg wash
Fresh thyme for garnish

Optional Sauce:

½ cup red wine
½ cup beef stock
1 tablespoon butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Season beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear beef on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Remove from heat and brush with Dijon mustard. Let cool completely.

Pro Tip: Searing locks in juices and adds a rich flavor base.

Step 2: Making the Mushroom Duxelles

In a pan, melt butter and sauté shallots until translucent.
Add finely chopped mushrooms and cook over medium heat until moisture evaporates, about 10 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Let cool.

3: Assembling the Wellington

Lay prosciutto slices on plastic wrap, slightly overlapping, forming a rectangle.
Spread mushroom duxelles over prosciutto.
Place the beef on top and use the plastic wrap to tightly roll everything, forming a cylinder. Chill for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Wrapping in Puff Pastry

Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
Unwrap beef and place in the center of the pastry.
Fold pastry over beef, sealing edges, and brush with egg yolk.
Score the top lightly for decoration.

Step 5: Baking the Beef Wellington

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Bake 25–30 minutes for medium-rare, until pastry is golden brown.
Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Thermometer Tip: Internal temperature should reach 125–130°F for medium-rare.

Step 6: Serving

Slice carefully to reveal tender beef and layers inside.
Optional: serve with a drizzle of red wine sauce and garnish with fresh thyme.

Presentation Idea: Serve on a large platter with roasted vegetables for a festive dinner table.

Flavor Variations

Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped rosemary and thyme to the mushroom duxelles.
Truffle Touch: Mix a teaspoon of truffle oil into the mushrooms for luxurious aroma.
Mustard Variation: Use whole grain mustard for a subtle tang and texture.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Beef Wellington is best served fresh; leftovers can be refrigerated for 1 day.
Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying.
Do not microwave, as pastry will lose its crispness.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Undercooked beef: Use a thermometer to ensure proper doneness.
Soggy pastry: Chill beef before wrapping and ensure mushrooms are dry.
Overstuffing: Too much filling can break pastry; keep layers thin.
Skipping rest: Let the Wellington rest to retain juices.

Why This Recipe Works

Beef is seared to lock in moisture.
Mushroom duxelles adds umami and protects beef.
Prosciutto prevents pastry from becoming soggy.
Puff pastry creates a golden, crisp exterior.
Elegant presentation with minimal effort for maximum impact.

Final Thoughts

Beef Wellington is the ultimate centerpiece for dinner parties or festive occasions. Its combination of tender beef, savory mushroom filling, and golden pastry creates a show-stopping dish that impresses both visually and in taste. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can master this classic and delight your guests with a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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