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Beef Wellington Recipe

Easy Beef Wellington Recipe

This foolproof beef wellington recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Tender beef tenderloin wrapped in savory mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry creates an impressive centerpiece for any special dinner. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or when you want to impress your guests with this classic dish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting & Chilling Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British, European
Calories: 749

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound beef tenderloin thick center-cut piece
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mushroom Duxelles
  • 1 pound mixed mushrooms cremini and shiitake work best
For Assembly
  • 4 slices prosciutto or Parma ham thin slices
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed (7-8.5 oz)
  • 2 large egg yolks beaten for egg wash
  • flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Food Processor
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Instant-Read Thermometer
  • Plastic wrap
  • Sharp knife
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season beef tenderloin generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear beef on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Don't move the beef until it has had time to brown properly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. Apply mustard: Once cooled, brush the seared beef on all sides with Dijon mustard. Set aside.
  4. Make mushroom duxelles: Pulse mushrooms in food processor until finely chopped. Cook in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until all moisture evaporates (10-15 minutes). The mixture should be dry. Cool completely.
  5. Wrap in ham and mushrooms: Lay plastic wrap on work surface. Arrange prosciutto slices in overlapping pattern large enough to wrap around beef. Spread cooled mushroom mixture over ham. Place beef in center and wrap tightly using plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  6. Prepare pastry: Roll puff pastry on lightly floured surface to size that will wrap around beef. Unwrap beef from plastic and place in center of pastry.
  7. Wrap in pastry: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg yolk. Wrap pastry around beef, sealing seams and trimming excess (avoid thick overlaps). Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
  8. Final touches: Brush entire surface with egg wash. Score decoratively with sharp knife (don't cut all the way through). Sprinkle with flaky salt. Chill for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes until pastry is golden brown. Check internal temperature with instant-read thermometer - aim for 125-130°F for medium-rare.
  10. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Cut into 1-inch thick slices with sharp knife. Serve immediately.

Notes

Temperature Guide: 120-125°F for rare, 125-130°F for medium-rare, 130-135°F for medium.
Make-Ahead Tip: Mushroom duxelles can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
Pastry Success: Ensure all components are completely cool before wrapping to prevent soggy pastry.
Storage: Leftover slices can be stored in fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F, removing foil for last few minutes to crisp pastry.