This stuffed beef tenderloin is sure to impress! It’s a juicy cut of meat filled with a tasty mix of herbs and spices that keeps each bite flavorful and exciting.
Honestly, there’s something magical about slicing into that tenderloin and seeing the delicious stuffing inside. It’s perfect for special dinners—or just when you want to feel fancy! 😄
When I make this dish, I love serving it with some roasted veggies on the side. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s also pretty easy to prepare!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tenderloin: This is the star of the dish. Choose a high-quality cut for the best flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider flank or sirloin steaks, but keep in mind they may require longer cooking.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great color and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh, you can use frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using it in your filling.
Cream Cheese: This gives a rich creaminess to the filling. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Cheeses: Parmesan adds a nice depth, but you could substitute with feta or mozzarella for a different twist. Remember that feta will give a tangy flavor, while mozzarella will be more mild.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are ideal for the best taste. Use dried if fresh isn’t available, but cut the amount in half since dried herbs are more potent!
How Do I Butterfly the Beef Tenderloin Properly?
Butterflying the beef tenderloin is a key step to ensure even cooking and a beautiful stuffing. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a clean, dried beef tenderloin on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife and place your hand flat on top of the tenderloin for stability.
- Slice horizontally starting from the thicker side, making sure not to cut all the way through. Aim to leave about 1 inch at the bottom.
- Open the meat like a book, and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Gently pound it to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, for consistent cooking. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin.
This technique enhances the surface area for stuffing and helps that filling stay beautifully incorporated!
How to Make Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds beef tenderloin, trimmed and butterflied
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For Serving:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (for serving or garnish)
Other:
- Kitchen twine for tying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stuffed beef tenderloin requires about 30 minutes of prep time, plus 20-25 minutes for roasting, and an additional 10 minutes for resting. So in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 5-10 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Tenderloin:
Start by rinsing and patting dry the beef tenderloin. Use a sharp knife to butterfly the tenderloin by slicing it horizontally through the center, almost to the other side, so it opens like a book. Place it between plastic wrap and pound it lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin to achieve an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and Dijon mustard, if you’re using it. Stir the mixture well until the filling is creamy and consistently blended.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Tenderloin:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the filling evenly over the surface of the butterflied tenderloin, making sure to leave about 1 inch around the edges. Carefully roll the tenderloin tightly from one side to the other, encasing the filling. Use kitchen twine to tie the rolled tenderloin at 1-2 inch intervals to help keep everything secure during cooking.
4. Season and Sear:
Rub the outside of the rolled tenderloin with olive oil and season it generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large ovenproof skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed tenderloin on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned.
5. Roast the Tenderloin:
Carefully transfer the skillet with the tenderloin to your preheated oven. Roast for about 20-25 minutes for medium-rare (with an internal temperature of around 135°F/57°C). Keep an eye on it and adjust your cooking time based on your preferred doneness—but be cautious not to overcook to maintain tenderness!
6. Rest and Slice:
After removing the tenderloin from the oven, cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful! After resting, take off the kitchen twine and slice the tenderloin into 1-inch thick pieces.
7. Prepare Mushrooms (Optional):
If you’d like to add a touch of gourmet flair, sauté sliced mushrooms in a pan with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic until they are browned and tender. Serve these alongside your beautifully sliced stuffed beef tenderloin!
Enjoy your delicious, juicy stuffed beef tenderloin with creamy spinach and cheese filling! It’s sure to be a standout centerpiece for any special occasion or dinner at home.
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef tenderloin is the preferred cut for its tenderness, you can substitute with flank steak or pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. These will give a different texture and flavor but will still work nicely in the filling!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in the oven or microwave, and consider adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Yes! Feel free to customize the filling with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, different cheeses, or nuts for added flavor and texture. Just ensure that any additional ingredients complement the overall taste of your dish.
