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A perfectly baked and sliced Beef Wellington reveals a tender, medium-rare beef tenderloin wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry.
Maryam

Classic Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles

Indulge in the ultimate celebratory dish with this impressive Classic Beef Wellington, featuring tender beef tenderloin encased in a rich mushroom duxelles, savory prosciutto, and flaky puff pastry.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British, French
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1.5-2 lbs beef tenderloin center-cut, trimmed of silverskin
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Duxelles
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lb cremini mushrooms wiped clean and finely chopped
  • 2 shallots finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry or red wine (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For Assembly
  • 6-8 slices prosciutto thin
  • 1 puff pastry sheet (10x15 inches, 13-14 oz package), thawed
  • 1 large egg beaten, for egg wash
  • Flour for dusting

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Food processor (optional)
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Rolling Pin
  • Sharp Chef's Knife
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Small Bowl
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Prepare the Beef
  1. Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Season the beef tenderloin generously with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the hot skillet. Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This should take about 8-12 minutes total.
  3. Remove the beef from the skillet and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Once cool enough to handle, brush all sides of the beef with the Dijon mustard. Set aside.
Make the Duxelles
  1. In the same skillet (or a clean one), heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped mushrooms, minced shallots, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until all the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are deeply browned and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. A food processor can be used to finely chop the mushrooms.
  3. If using, add the dry sherry or red wine and cook until fully evaporated. Stir in the chopped fresh thyme and parsley. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Spread the duxelles onto a plate or shallow dish to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Assemble the Wellington
  1. Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on a clean work surface. Arrange the prosciutto slices slightly overlapping to form a rectangle large enough to cover the beef tenderloin.
  2. Evenly spread the cooled duxelles over the prosciutto, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Place the seared and mustard-coated beef tenderloin in the center of the duxelles-covered prosciutto.
  4. Using the plastic wrap, carefully lift the prosciutto and duxelles to wrap it tightly around the beef. Roll it up firmly, twisting the ends of the plastic wrap to create a tight, uniform log. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow it to set.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle large enough to completely encase the beef log, about 12x18 inches. You may need to trim the edges to make them straight.
  6. Unwrap the chilled beef log and place it in the center of the rolled-out puff pastry.
  7. Brush the edges of the pastry with some of the beaten egg wash. Carefully fold one side of the pastry over the beef, then fold the other side to overlap, sealing the seam. Trim any excess pastry, leaving about a 1-inch overlap. Press firmly to seal.
  8. Fold in the ends of the pastry and seal them securely, trimming any excess. Ensure the Wellington is completely sealed.
  9. Carefully transfer the Beef Wellington, seam-side down, to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  10. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the remaining egg wash. If desired, score the top of the pastry lightly with the back of a knife in a decorative pattern (avoid cutting all the way through).
  11. Refrigerate the assembled Wellington for another 15-30 minutes. This helps the pastry hold its shape and prevents shrinking.
Bake the Wellington
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bake the Beef Wellington for 35-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the beef registers 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare. For medium, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C).
  3. Remove from the oven and let rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes before slicing into thick pieces. Resting is crucial for the juices to redistribute.

Notes

For best results, ensure the duxelles is completely dry and cooled before wrapping the beef, and chill the assembled Wellington twice. This prevents a soggy bottom and helps the pastry cook evenly.