Juicy Beef Wellington, perfectly browned puff pastry, elegant presentation

Beef

classic beef wellington (updated april 6 2025)

By Savory Touch

Published: 06 Apr 2025

Ah, Beef Wellington. The very name conjures up images of elegant dinners and sophisticated palates. But trust me, this culinary masterpiece is far more achievable than you might think. I remember the first time I attempted this recipe—my heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. It turned out surprisingly well, even though I was pretty clumsy in the kitchen! My friend, an amazing chef, gave me invaluable tips that drastically helped me.
Close up of a perfectly seared beef tenderloin
This recipe walks you through each step, from preparing the classic mushroom duxelles to wrapping the beef in flaky puff pastry. I've included plenty of tips and tricks to help you avoid common pitfalls—like a soggy bottom or undercooked beef! Remember to have fun with it. Cooking should be an enjoyable experience. This recipe is more about the journey than the destination, and the end result is simply superb!
Beef Wellington sliced and served, showing the layers of pastry and meat

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp knife
  • Pastry brush

Classic Beef Wellington (Updated April 6 2025)

Learn how to create a show-stopping Beef Wellington, a classic dish that's easier to make than you might think! This detailed recipe will guide you through every step, from prepping the duxelles to achieving the perfect golden-brown puff pastry.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 60 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start, it's crucial for a perfectly cooked Wellington!
  2. Pat your beef tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Trust me, don't skimp on the seasoning!
  3. Prepare the duxelles: Finely chop 1 pound of mushrooms. In a large pan, sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until all the moisture has evaporated and they're deeply browned. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of thyme. Let it cool completely. Don't rush this step; cool duxelles are key to preventing a soggy Wellington!
  4. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap. On the plastic wrap, spread out a thin layer of the cooled duxelles, forming a rectangle slightly larger than the beef tenderloin.
  5. Place the beef tenderloin on top of the duxelles. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the beef. This adds a wonderful tangy flavor!
  6. Wrap the beef tightly in the plastic wrap, rolling it into a log-like shape. Twist the ends tightly to seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up—this makes it way easier to handle when wrapping in pastry.
  7. Unroll and remove the plastic wrap. Spread a layer of high-quality puff pastry over a lightly floured surface. (If using store-bought, make sure to follow its thawing instructions carefully.)
  8. Place the beef on the center of the pastry. Fold the pastry over the beef, and tightly seal the edges. Crimp the edges to create a decorative seal. If you're feeling creative, you can even make decorative cuts in the pastry.
  9. Brush the pastry with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of milk or cream). This gives a beautiful golden-brown finish, my personal favorite part of the cooking process.
  10. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness; this is super important to prevent undercooking!
  11. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
  12. Slice and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme and a drizzle of red wine reduction (optional, but highly recommended!). Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

📝 Notes

  • For best results, use high-quality puff pastry.
  • Don't overcook the beef! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired doneness.
  • Let the Wellington rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Feel free to get creative with your garnish!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 750kcal

Protein: 40g

Fat: 55g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 35mg

Frequently Asked Questions

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SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

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