Beef Tenderloin Roast with Smashed Potatoes is a luxurious yet simple dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a tender beef roast coated with garlic herb butter and paired with crispy smashed potatoes, the meal is elevated with a rich Marsala mushroom sauce. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it ideal for special occasions, combining elegance with comfort.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Tenderloin Roast:
- 1 (4-5 pound) beef tenderloin
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Smashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds small Yukon gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Marsala Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Beef Tenderloin Roast:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef tenderloin.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (medium-rare), about 25-30 minutes. Let the beef rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Smashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and gently smash each potato with a fork or potato masher.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Marsala Mushroom Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in mushrooms and cook until golden and caramelized, about 8 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, cooking until reduced by half.
- Add beef stock, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Slice the beef tenderloin and arrange on a serving platter. Surround with smashed potatoes.
- Spoon the Marsala mushroom sauce over the beef and potatoes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
This recipe creates a delightful and memorable meal perfect for holidays or any special celebration!
A Perfect Holiday Delight: Beef Tenderloin Roast with Smashed Potatoes
When it comes to crafting a meal that embodies both sophistication and comfort, few dishes compare to Beef Tenderloin Roast with Smashed Potatoes. This luxurious yet approachable recipe combines the elegance of tender beef with the rustic charm of crispy smashed potatoes, elevated by the decadence of a Marsala mushroom sauce. Whether you’re hosting a formal holiday dinner or celebrating a special milestone, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal.
The Star of the Table: Beef Tenderloin Roast
Beef tenderloin is often considered the crown jewel of beef cuts, prized for its buttery tenderness and mild flavor. The preparation of this roast enhances its natural qualities, beginning with a coating of garlic herb butter. This mixture not only imparts a savory richness but also creates a beautifully caramelized crust when seared.
The roasting process is straightforward yet precise, ensuring the tenderloin achieves the perfect medium-rare doneness. Using an oven-safe skillet allows for seamless transition from stovetop searing to oven roasting, maximizing flavor and efficiency. After roasting, a crucial resting period ensures the juices redistribute, yielding slices of beef that are both juicy and tender.
The Perfect Companion: Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes bring a delightful contrast to the tenderloin, offering crisp edges and a creamy interior. Yukon gold potatoes are an excellent choice for their buttery flavor and smooth texture. Boiled until fork-tender, they are then gently smashed to create a rustic surface perfect for crisping.
A generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese transform these humble spuds into a golden, flavorful side dish. Roasting them at a high temperature ensures a satisfying crunch that complements the tender beef. The Parmesan adds a nutty, umami note that ties the dish together.
The Showstopper: Marsala Mushroom Sauce
The Marsala mushroom sauce is the luxurious finishing touch that elevates this meal into the realm of fine dining. The earthy sweetness of Marsala wine pairs beautifully with the savory notes of caramelized mushrooms and onions. As the sauce simmers, beef stock and heavy cream contribute richness and depth, while Parmesan cheese enhances its velvety texture.
This sauce serves as a bridge between the beef and potatoes, harmonizing their flavors while adding its own layer of complexity. Fresh thyme infuses the sauce with subtle herbal notes, ensuring every bite is as balanced as it is indulgent.
Why This Dish Works for Special Occasions
Elegance Meets Comfort
One of the defining characteristics of this recipe is its ability to feel both refined and approachable. The beef tenderloin lends an air of luxury, while the smashed potatoes and mushroom sauce ground the dish in familiar, comforting flavors. This balance makes it suitable for both formal gatherings and casual celebrations.
Versatility
The components of this dish are versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. The beef can be cooked to various levels of doneness, depending on your guests’ tastes. The potatoes can be customized with additional herbs or cheeses, and the mushroom sauce can be adjusted to suit dietary needs or personal flavor profiles.
A Complete Culinary Experience
This meal offers a symphony of flavors and textures. The tender beef contrasts beautifully with the crispy potatoes, while the rich, creamy sauce ties everything together. The addition of fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese adds layers of complexity, ensuring the dish is as memorable for the palate as it is for the eyes.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a high-quality beef tenderloin and fresh, seasonal ingredients for the best results. Small touches, like freshly grated Parmesan and fragrant thyme, make a big difference.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches the desired doneness without overcooking. A target of 120°F for medium-rare allows for carryover cooking during the resting period.
- Maximize Crispiness: For the potatoes, ensure they are fully dry before roasting, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to promote even crisping.
- Sauce Consistency: Allow the Marsala mushroom sauce to simmer until it reaches a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This step ensures the sauce clings beautifully to the beef and potatoes.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Celebrating
Beef Tenderloin Roast with Smashed Potatoes is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. Its thoughtful combination of flavors, textures, and presentation makes it a dish worthy of any special occasion. By following this recipe, you’ll not only create a meal that satisfies but also memories that linger long after the last bite.
Whether you’re celebrating holidays, birthdays, or simply the joy of good company, this dish promises to be the highlight of your culinary repertoire. Its effortless elegance ensures you’ll return to it time and time again, making every gathering a little more special.