Individual Beef Wellingtons are tiny, tasty packages of flavor! Each one features a juicy piece of beef wrapped in flaky pastry, making them perfect for a special meal.
These delightful bites are sure to impress your guests. I love serving them with a side of veggies or a simple salad—because who can say no to that crispy crust? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Tenderloin: This is the star of the show! Look for well-marbled cuts because the fat enhances flavor and tenderness. If you’re on a budget, you can substitute with sirloin or filet mignon.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms give depth and flavor for the filling, but button mushrooms work too. If you need a vegetarian option, finely diced eggplant or zucchini could replace the mushrooms!
Prosciutto: It adds richness and helps seal in moisture. If you want a lighter option, consider thin layers of turkey or skip it entirely for a gluten-free version.
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is easy to use. For a wholesome touch, try whole wheat or spelt puff pastry if available. You could also use phyllo dough for crisp yet delicate layers.
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
To get that juicy, tender beef, it’s crucial that you don’t overcook it when searing. Aim for a nice brown crust while leaving the center rare. Follow these steps:
- Heat your skillet until it’s very hot. This gives the beef a good sear.
- Sear each side for 1-2 minutes. You’re looking for a rich brown color.
- Don’t cook them fully yet; they’ll finish in the oven wrapped in pastry, retaining all the juices.
After baking, let the Wellingtons sit for a few minutes before cutting. This helps the meat set and keeps everything juicy!
Individual Beef Wellingtons
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Filling:
- 4 individual beef tenderloin steaks (about 6 oz each), trimmed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp dry white wine or dry sherry
- 4 slices prosciutto (optional, for wrapping)
- 4 oz baby spinach leaves
- 4 oz Gruyère or fontina cheese, sliced or shredded
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, so you should plan for around 45 minutes in total. After preparing all the layers and wrapping them, you’ll have delicious Individual Beef Wellingtons ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. Season the Beef:
Generously season the beef tenderloin steaks with salt and pepper. This step enhances the flavor of your meat, making it delicious!
3. Sear the Beef:
In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each steak for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned but still rare inside. Once done, remove the steaks and set them aside to cool.
4. Make the Mushroom Duxelles:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until the moisture evaporates and the mixture is dry, around 8-10 minutes. This will add fantastic flavor to your filling!
5. Season the Duxelles:
Stir in the fresh thyme and white wine, cooking until the wine has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then remove the skillet from the heat to let it cool.
6. Prepare the Filling:
If you’re using prosciutto, lay out the slices on a piece of plastic wrap, slightly overlapping them. Spread half of the mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto. If you’re skipping prosciutto, move to the next step.
7. Assemble the Filling:
Add a few spinach leaves on top of the mushroom mixture, place the seared beef on top, and finish with slices of Gruyère or fontina cheese.
8. Roll the Beef:
Using the plastic wrap, roll the prosciutto around the beef tightly, then refrigerate for about 10 minutes to help it hold its shape. If you’re not using prosciutto, just move on to wrapping the pastry!
9. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 squares. Each square should be large enough to wrap around your beef bundles.
10. Wrap the Beef:
Place a beef bundle in the center of each pastry square, then wrap the pastry around the meat. Seal the edges with a bit of the beaten egg to keep it closed.
11. Bake the Wellingtons:
Place the wrapped Wellingtons seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a lovely golden shine. Don’t forget to cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking!
12. Bake and Cool:
Pop the Wellingtons in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13. Garnish and Serve:
If desired, garnish your Individual Beef Wellingtons with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside your favorite sides or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Delight in your perfectly golden, individual Beef Wellingtons with tender, juicy centers encased in crispy pastry! Enjoy every bite! 🎉
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness, you can use cuts like filet mignon or sirloin if you prefer something more budget-friendly. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make These Wellingtons in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and assemble them, then wrap them in pastry and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just be sure to bake them fresh for the best flaky texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to help retain the pastry’s crispness.
What Can I Serve with Individual Beef Wellingtons?
These Wellingtons pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. A rich red wine reduction sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce also complements the flavors beautifully!
