Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Elegant Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Beef Tenderloin Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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