Description
Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is a stunning, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. Tender, juicy beef filled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates an unforgettable balance of rich and festive flavors. This elegant roast looks impressive but comes together quickly — perfect for Christmas dinner, holiday parties, or any special celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tenderloin:
- 1 whole beef tenderloin (2 ½ to 3 pounds), trimmed and butterflied
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Coarse sea salt
Equipment:
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Butcher’s twine
- Skillet for searing
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl and tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in spinach until wilted. Add sun-dried tomatoes, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, and thyme. Season to taste, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Butterfly the Tenderloin: Slice the beef lengthwise down the center, stopping ½ inch from the bottom. Open it flat like a book, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the stuffing evenly over the beef, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly and secure with butcher’s twine every 2 inches.
- Sear for Flavor: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear the beef on all sides, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden.
- Roast to Perfection: Transfer to a roasting pan and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. Slice into 1-inch rounds, garnish with rosemary, and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness — 130°F for medium-rare.
- Sear before roasting to lock in flavor and create a crisp crust.
- Don’t overstuff; leave edges clear to prevent spills.
- Let the beef rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, glazed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
- Make ahead: Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before roasting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Holiday Main Dish
- Method: Roasting / Stuffed
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Christmas Beef Tenderloin, Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, Holiday Main Course, Easy Xmas Dinner Ideas, Quick Beef Roast, Christmas Dinner Recipes