Elegant Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Barefoot Contessa beef tenderloin turns a regular weeknight into a gourmet celebration with its mouthwatering allure.

This elegant meat dish whispers luxury without demanding complex culinary skills.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of love transform an ordinary cut into a spectacular centerpiece.

Chefs and home cooks alike marvel at how effortlessly this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results.

Every slice promises a tender, juicy experience that melts seamlessly on your palate.

The secret?

Gentle cooking and confident seasoning that respect the meat’s natural richness.

Let this recipe be your ticket to an unforgettable dining adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 1230 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin

• Beef Tenderloin: Choose a well-marbled, bright red cut with minimal connective tissue for supreme tenderness.

• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Select coarse kosher salt for robust flavor and freshly cracked pepper for vibrant spiciness.

• Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality room temperature butter to ensure smooth, even coverage on the meat.

• Heavy Cream: Select full-fat cream with rich, velvety consistency for luxurious sauce texture.

• Gorgonzola Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Pick creamy, sharp gorgonzola and aged parmesan for complex, tangy flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp parsley leaves with vibrant aroma to enhance sauce's visual and flavor complexity.

• Aluminum Foil: Use heavy-duty foil for precise meat resting and heat retention.
• Baking Sheet: Select sturdy, flat sheet for even heat distribution during roasting.

Equipment to Prepare Beef Tenderloin Right

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat metal pan for roasting beef evenly.
• Paper Towels: For thoroughly drying the beef before seasoning.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating creamy Gorgonzola sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending cheese and cream.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps beef rest and retain warmth after roasting.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing beef into beautiful, precise portions.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate salt and pepper seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for meat preparation.
• Oven: Must reach high 500°F temperature for perfect roasting.
• Stove: Used for simmering and creating rich Gorgonzola sauce.

Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin Directions

• Preheat Oven Create a Sizzling Hot Environment

Fire up your oven to a scorching temperature perfect for transforming beef tenderloin into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Position the cooking rack right in the center to guarantee even heat distribution.

• Prepare Beef Unleash Flavor Potential

Rescue the beef from the refrigerator and give it a thorough pat down with paper towels. Massage room-temperature butter all over the surface, creating a luxurious coating. Shower the meat with a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring every inch is seasoned.

• Roast and Transform

Slide the prepared beef onto a baking sheet and send it into the blazing oven. Let the magic happen – roughly 22-25 minutes will transform your beef from ordinary to extraordinary, depending on your preferred level of doneness.

• Rest and Rejuvenate

Carefully extract the beef from the oven and lovingly wrap it in aluminum foil. Allow the meat to relax and settle for 20 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and create a tender, succulent texture that will make taste buds dance.

• Craft Gorgonzola Sauce

In a saucepan, pour heavy cream and coax it to a boiling point. Let it simmer and reduce, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thick consistency that clings perfectly to the beef.

• Final Sauce Flourish

Remove the sauce from heat and introduce gorgonzola and parmesan cheeses. Whisk in a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and fresh chopped parsley to elevate the flavor profile.

• Serve with Flair

Remove any cooking strings from the beef, slice into gorgeous portions, and cascade the warm gorgonzola sauce over the top. Serve immediately and watch guests swoon with delight.

Flavor Upgrades for Beef Tenderloin Dish

• Elevate Your Beef Tenderloin: Expert Tips and Twists
• Butter Brilliance: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for even coating. This helps create a gorgeous golden crust and locks in incredible flavor.
• Temperature Mastery: Invest in a meat thermometer for precision. Rare beef should hit 125°F, medium-rare 135°F for perfect doneness every single time.
• Sauce Swap: Can't find Gorgonzola? Blue cheese or sharp aged cheddar make delicious alternatives that complement the beef's rich profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the Gorgonzola sauce up to two days in advance. Simply reheat gently before serving to save time and reduce kitchen stress.

How to Serve This Tenderloin Elegantly

• Savor Tenderloin Elegantly: Pair this luxurious beef with robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich flavors and enhance the dining experience.
• Craft Stunning Side Plates: Roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or honey-glazed carrots create a perfect accompaniment, adding color and nutritional balance to the meal.
• Create Gourmet Presentation: Slice beef against the grain into thin, uniform pieces and arrange artfully on warmed plates, drizzling the creamy Gorgonzola sauce in an elegant swirl around the meat for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Elevate Home Dining: Serve with crusty artisan bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delectable Gorgonzola sauce, transforming a simple dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Save Leftovers of Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover beef in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap slices individually to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Gently warm beef in a low-temperature oven at 275°F (135°C) to prevent drying. Add a splash of beef broth to retain juiciness and prevent overcooking.
• Sauce Storage Secrets: Keep Gorgonzola sauce separately in a sealed container. Refrigerate for 2-3 days, stirring well before reheating slowly over low heat to prevent separation.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice beef in advance and store separately from sauce. This approach keeps meat tender and sauce fresh, allowing flexible serving options throughout the week.

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s beef tenderloin recipe delivers luxurious flavor from classic ingredients. Roasted to perfection with herbs and seasoning, this elegant dish promises a memorable centerpiece for special gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole beef tenderloin (4 to 5 lbs/1.8 to 2.3 kg), trimmed and tied
• 3 to 4 oz (85 to 113 g) crumbly gorgonzola (not creamy or “dolce”)
• 3 tbsps freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups (946 ml) heavy cream
• 3 tbsps minced fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Pat beef tenderloin dry with paper towels, then coat with room-temperature butter. Season comprehensively with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Roasting: Position tenderloin in preheated oven. Roast for 22-25 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Rare requires 22 minutes, medium-rare needs 25 minutes.
3. Resting: Immediately remove beef from oven and wrap completely in aluminum foil. Allow meat to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes, enabling internal juice redistribution.
4. Carving: Remove kitchen twine and slice tenderloin into uniform, substantial portions using a sharp carving knife.
5. Gorgonzola Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium-high heat. Boil vigorously, stirring occasionally for 45-50 minutes until cream significantly reduces and thickens.
6. Sauce Finishing: Remove from heat. Whisk in crumbled Gorgonzola, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley until cheeses melt into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
7. Serving: Present sliced tenderloin with warm Gorgonzola sauce. For reheating, use low heat and whisk continuously to maintain sauce’s silky texture.

Notes

• Moisture Removal Technique: Pat the beef tenderloin completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear and enhanced flavor development.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee exact doneness, as oven temperatures can vary significantly between different appliances.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the meat to rest covered in foil for exactly 20 minutes to redistribute internal juices, preventing dry and tough meat texture.
• Sauce Consistency Warning: Monitor the cream reduction carefully, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and achieve the ideal thick, creamy sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 1230
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 115g
• Saturated Fat: 66g
• Unsaturated Fat: 41g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 63g
• Cholesterol: 320mg